Norman J. Milbourn
Norman J. Milbourn, a good-natured go getter, died suddenly May 23, 2024 in Lansing. Norman, 82 of Charlotte, MI was born July 24, 1941in Watertown, NY, the son of Lawrence and Marjorie (Perry) Milbourn. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1959.
“Stormin Norman,” as his friends referred to him, was a laid-back, easygoing person who blended in with any group of friends. Known as a hard worker, Norman had a talent of being able to fix anything and everything. His family recalls that he could “MacGyver” anything as long as he could find a nut and a bolt.
Norman was an excellent auto body craftsman. His early years in the field were spent at Diamond Reo in Lansing. After Reo closed he worked a Keehne’s Autobody in Charlotte until starting at Spartan Motors in 1992, where he worked until his retirement in 2007. On the job he shared his skills teaching his coworkers some of the many things he had learned over the years.
Norman will always be remembered as a great friend with a great laugh. He always found some way to laugh in nearly every situation. He loved to share time on the golf course with his friends who would enjoy his stories much more than the game. On weekends you could often find him either perusing garage sales looking for that “special thing,” or at a local car show admiring the work that others had put into their cherished machines.
Above all, Norman was most proud of his family and cherished recent trips to Arizona by train to visit his son Tim, and another road trip to visit relatives in North Carolina. A family custom was dinner at their home with his son and daughter every Wednesday evening.
Norman is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elaine; children, Debbie (Al) Jeffers and Tim Milbourn (Jim); sister, Sandy Southern; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ken (Patricia) Marple, Pat Marple, and Joyce (Bill) Scott; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers-in-law, Phil Southern, Bob Marple, and Don Marple.
Friends are encouraged to support Norman’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Wednesday, May 29, from 3-5:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Thursday, May 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Norman’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.