Bernard L. “Bernie” Norman, 81, of Mount Clare, WV, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, 27 February 2024. He was born in Clarksburg, WV on 2 May 1942, the youngest child of the late Bryan Elias and Verna (Fox) Norman. He is survived by his wife, Saundra Rux Norman whom he married on 29 May 2019.

 

Also surviving are three children, Debra Kay Day, Bridgeport, WV, Kelly (Norman) Jones and her husband Steve, Chambersburg, PA, and Mark L. Norman, Middleboro, MA; Seven grandchildren, Erin Day, Kelsi Day, Joseph Griffin, Bryan Griffin and his wife Lyndsay, Zachary Jones, Andy Norman, and Dan Norman; Three great-grandchildren, Lily Griffin, Brinley Keough, and Joseph “Joe Joe” Keough; Two brothers, James A. Norman and his wife Shelva, St. Augustine, FL, and Bryan J. Norman and his wife Judy, Morehead City, NC, and several nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Saundra (Lewis) Norman, and seven brothers and sisters.

 

Bernard was a graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1960. He spent four years active duty as a Diesel Engineman, two years in the Coast Guard Reserve, and attained the rank of Engineman 2nd class. After an eight-year break in service, MSgt Norman enlisted in the 119th Engineer Company in 1974 as a truck driver. Two years later, he accepted a full-time position as the Unit Clerk and, in 1979, became the Supply Sergeant. In 1987, he became the Operations Sergeant for C Co. 1092nd Engineer Battalion and served as the First Sergeant there prior to accepting the position of Senior NCO Logistician for the 111th Engineer Group. In 1992, Bernard received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Military Management from the University of Charleston.

 

MSgt Norman’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the West Virginia Emergency Service Ribbon with a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and the West Virginia State Service Ribbon with a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster. He also received the de Fleury Medal which is the highest award for professional excellence in an Engineer Regiment. MSgt Norman retired from military service in 2002 from the WV Army National Guard with the rank of Master Seargent.

 

In addition to his robust military career, Bernie carried forth his passion for woodworking by establishing a custom carpentry business from his home workshop. His beautiful craftsmanship can be seen to this day throughout North Central WV, including in his own home which he built with his own two hands. He served as Secretary / Treasurer for the Norman Family Cemetery Association and dedicated many years of his life to the upkeep and beautification of those hallowed grounds. He was an avid Mountaineer and Steelers fan and enjoyed cheering on his beloved teams. Above all, Bernie cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.

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MSgt Norman’s funeral service was presided over by the Rev. Dr. Col. Bruce D. Reed (WV Army National Guard, retired) and Rev. Jennifer Sayers. He was honorably laid to rest with full military detail.