Norman Frank Abston, 94, went Home to be with his Savior on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Known by most as Norm, he had been a resident of The Willows of Willard for two years.
Norman was born in Boone County, Indiana, to Floyd Cecil and Alice Lucille (Dodson) Abston on March 16, 1930. He was the eldest of four sons.
He graduated from New Ross High School in 1948 as Valedictorian of his class. He was a star basketball player and never lost his love of the sport, playing long after high school.
Norm started working at RR Donnelley & Sons Co. in Crawfordsville after graduation and that is where he met his wife, Mary Margaret Herron, of Waynetown. They married Aug. 3, 1951. Mary pre-deceased Norman on March 16, 2018.
On May 1, 1951, Norm joined the United States Air Force and served at Camp Atterbury, and as postmaster at Fort Benning, Georgia, until his discharge from active duty on Jan. 20, 1953. He then continued his service in the Reserves for four more years.
As his career in the Proof Room at RR Donnelley continued, their plans to add a third plant in Willard, Ohio, were underway; and in 1958, Norm came to Willard to help set up the Proof Room for telephone books in their new facility. In 1959, he came frequently, and eventually in 1960 moved his young family to Willard. He was the Proof Room foreman for many years, then served in other supervisory positions before his retirement on Feb. 28, 1992. He was a faithful employee for almost 44 years.
After his retirement, Norm went to work for Sharpnack Chevrolet, driving and selling and buying cars for the dealership for 17 years. He retired from Sharpnack’s in 2010.
Norman and Mary were active members of the Calvary Baptist Church in Willard since 1961. He also served on the Willard United Fund Board and the City Light Plant Committee.
Norm’s love of cars started at a very young age, and over the years, he owned over 130 vehicles (cars and trucks), and never got tired of looking at cars and talking about cars. In 1963, he and some other car enthusiasts started the Car Coddlers of Ohio, a preservation-minded car club that eventually garnered over 500 members. Both he and Mary served in many capacities in the Car Coddlers, and hosted many club events at their home on Bullhead Rd. Norm was also a long-time member of the AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America); the CCCA (Classic Car Club of America); the Lincoln and Continental Owners Club; the Early Ford V8 Club; The Pioneer Auto Club; The IMOA (International Mercury Owners Association); and the Buick Club of America. He attended countless national, regional, and area car shows throughout the years, most times bringing home a trophy.
Norm leaves behind his loving children, Sharon (Laurence) Wingert of Willard, Susan (Richard) McCumber of Lexington, Ohio and Steven (Susan) Abston of Naples, Florida; seven grandchildren, Linda, Lori, Shawn, Renee, Elizabeth, Candace and Ritchie; and 10 great-grandchildren; brother Howard (Bonnie) Abston of Crawfordsville; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Norman was also preceded in death by brothers, Clyde and Marvin Abston, both of Crawfordsville.
Secor Funeral Home in Willard is in charge of arrangements. Calling hours will be 2-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 at the funeral home. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9 at the funeral home, with Pastor Andy Rupert officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Calvary Baptist Church of Willard; or The American Parkinson Disease Association.
Online condolences can be left for the family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
