Norman Lee Timberlake, 87, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026, at home, surrounded by his precious family. He was born on June 11, 1939, in Keensburg, Illinois, the son of William Richard and Clara (Walker) Timberlake. He married Anita “Louise” Allen on April 16, 1960, and together they have celebrated sixty-six years of marriage, centered around their faith and family.
Norman was from a family of eight siblings who grew up and attended school in Keensburg, Illinois. During his 8th grade year, Norman won the Illinois State Championship for pole vaulting. Norman's father passed away when he was just 11 years old. At the age of 12, Norman began working for local farmers, bringing home a paycheck that he willingly gave to his mother to help support the family's expenses. Even at such a young age, his selflessness, strong work ethic, and deep love for his family were evident to his caring nature.
Norman was a member of the Keensburg Methodist Church for sixty plus years and then he joined the Bellmont Methodist Church. Norman firmly believed in faith, family and friends. In High School, he worked through the D.O. program for John Deere Implement. Norman then worked for John T. Lovellette at Mt. Carmel Oliver Implement until 1960 when Mr. Lovellette helped him gain employment at Pacific Press and Shear where he worked for forty-two years until his retirement in 2003. He enjoyed hunting as a way to buy Christmas for his children. He also enjoyed fishing and camping, later he and Louise took up Country Dancing. Every year, Norman grew a large, bountiful garden and generously shared much of its harvest with those in need. Norman was known as a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His presence will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Norman leaves behind his beloved wife, Louise; daughters, Patricia Capes and husband, Bob, Sonja Wagner and husband, Brent; granddaughters, Hillary (Clayton) Gwinn, Courtney (Jamie) Jones, Hayleigh Wagner, Malloree Wagner; five great-grandchildren; brother, Roy Timberlake; several loved nieces and nephews.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents; son William Lee “Bill”; in-laws, Chris and Thelma Allen; siblings, John Timberlake, Joe Timberlake, Betty Wollslager, Doris Hathorn, Bea Bailey and one Infant sister.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 5:00pm-7:00pm, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Pastor Vaughn Courter officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Norman’s memory to Charles Ford Hospice in Harmony. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Norman’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Timberlake family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
