Ronald William Norton

Ronald “Ron” W.  Norton, 74, of Holland, MI, formerly of Benton Harbor, passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Holland Hospital. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 11 AM at Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ, 3001 Veronica, St. Joseph, with Pastor David Slater officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 from 5 PM until 7 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A private family burial will take place on a later date at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for Ron may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Ron was born on June 4, 1941 in Benton Harbor to William & Juanita (Rauch) Norton. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School. In 1961, Ron earned his associates degree from Ferris State University in Tool and Die Design. On September 1, 1962, Ron married the love of his life, Crystal Birr, at Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ. For 32 years, Ron worked at and retired from V.M.E. America’s, formally Clark Equipment, where he designed heavy construction equipment. He was a member of Zion Church where he was on the Board of Directors, played for their softball team and coached their youth basketball team. Ron loved sports, especially basketball, tennis and football. For many years, he coached Coloma Little League baseball teams. Ron & Crystal cruise to many destinations around the world Ron’s favorite was Panama Canal. He loved spending time with his family and friends; he will be missed by all. Ron is survived by his wife of 53 years, Crystal; sons, Darin Norton of Holland and Gabriel (Rose) Norton of Perry, OH; grandchildren, Daniel, Reanna and Chancey Norton; siblings, Richard (Shirley) Norton and Janet “Sue” Clem; and sisters-in-law, Diane Norton, Carol Zilke, Esther Charleston, Charlotte (David) Evans and many nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Nancy Douglas, Jerry, and Michael Norton.