Norman Lee Raymond, son of Gerald Bruse and Roberta (Kemke) Raymond was born July 16, 1939 in Milford, Michigan. He passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the age of 85, at Kabul Nursing Home, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
In 1962, Norman married Carol Louise Engle; this union was blessed with two daughters, Brenda Lee and Annette Marie.
Norman’s vocation was with General Motors in Michigan as a mechanical engineer. He then transferred to the GM proving grounds in Phoenix, Arizona, where he was privileged to test drive many of the prototypes and work on their improvements. Norm was very proud of his work with GM and retired in 1992 after 31 years of service.
Norm became a Christian in his early adult life. He was an active member at North Village Church in Phoenix, AZ, and Simmons Baptist Church outside of Cabool, MO where he served as the church treasurer. At the time of his passing, Norm was a member of Maness Memorial Baptist Church in Cabool. He was most proud of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and served Him daily through his life’s witness.
Norm worked many seasons at Beth Eden Bible Camp near Niangua, MO. He was the handiest of handymen as he helped prepare for Youth Camp and Sewing Camp each year. Norm mowed, trimmed, painted, repaired, helped in the cafeteria, cleaned up, anything that needed to be done. Norm enjoyed this time of serving The Lord through this ministry. Thank you, Pastor Terry Brown and wife Elizabeth, for utilizing Norm’s talents and skills.
In 2017, Norm married Karen Ann Beeler Raymond; the years may have been few, but it’s quality, not quantity was what mattered to them. Their life together was orchestrated, directed and blessed by God. Norm gained two Bonus Daughters: Nickie Pillow and husband, Gary and Janelle Olson and husband, Erik; 11 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren. He enjoyed putting together train tracks and loads of puzzles with the Littles. Karen’s family grew, also, with 2 Bonus Daughters, a Son-in-law, three Grandchildren and three Great Grandchildren. Happy Family, Happy Life.
Due to Norm’s work with GM, he became extremely interested in Collector’s cars, all of which were GM models, especially Corvettes! He added many Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars. Every Walmart trip was an adventure in the toy cars section.
Norm is survived by his wife Karen of the home; two daughters, Brenda Moorehead and husband, Jim of Wittmann, AZ and Annette Jones of Peoria, AZ; a sister, Carrol Rich of Cleveland, TN; a brother, Gale Raymond and wife, Linda of Gilbertsville, KY; Granddaughter, Lauren Stamper and husband, Lawrence; Grandsons, Jeremy Moorehead and Silas Jones all of the Phoenix, AZ area; three great grandchildren and many friends and loved ones who will all miss Norm’s presence in their lives.
