Rex Bell Norman

Rex Bell Norman, born January 31, 1945 passed away September 5, 2021.  One of nine children born to Otis Bernard Norman and Ressie Erma Hale Norman, known as the tree climber when picking cherries or peaches for the family business,   graduated from Linden High in 1963. 

A man of many accomplishments, Rex owned a dry cleaner in Roseville, an RV Park in Yuma Arizona and a RV Park in Twin Falls, Idaho.  He was an avid football fan, but his favorite college team to cheer for was Boise State.

Rex enjoyed going on an African Safari, flying a small piper cub plane, catching salmon from the Sacramento River in Red Bluff, refereeing high school football, playing volleyball for the All Marine Corps East Coast Regional Championship at Cherry Point, North Carolina and coaching a winning girl’s slow pitch team.

Rex was passionate when he spoke about the United States of America, the American flag and the freedoms we have because of our veterans.  Rex was honorably discharged as Sgt. E-5 in the Marine Corp.  “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”  He was a proud Marine, who showed his love of Country by flying the red, white and blue on holidays.  He respected the flag and what it stood for.  Rex was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for solving problems connected to the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles while stationed in DaNang.  Rex was a new member of the American Legion Post #637.

Survived by Gaylen Norman, wife of 22 years.  Step-daughter Melissa Burnett/spouse Jeff Burnett, Step-son Matthew Markey/spouse Jackie Markey, and 8 grandchildren:  Zane Burnett, Ayden Burnett, Cael Burnett, Graye Burnett, Levi Markey, Madison Markey, Jack Markey and Cal Markey.  Survived by sisters: Erma Jean Hembree (MO), Mary Ellen King (AZ), Margie Louise Ripplinger (CA), Peggy Sue Linsley (OR) and Karen Marie Norman (CA).

Rex had a soft heart when it came to animals and his grandchildren.  He loved to feed the birds, squirrels, stray cats and dogs, and especially those growing grandchildren who were always hungry and requested a grilled cheese sandwich on their visit.  He enjoyed teaching the youngest grandchildren how to use tools for making items out of wood.

 Rex donated blood 24 times and was a Pheresis donor 10 times.

 Rex was a gentle man who truly cared about mankind, family and friends.

A private Marine Honor Service will be held at the National Veterans Cemetery in Dixon.

A Celebration of Life will take place at East Lawn Cemetery, 4300 Folsom Blvd, in Sacramento on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 2:30 pm.

In leu of flowers the family has requested donations be given to Foothills K-9 Association, Citrus Heights Police K-9 Division, 5095 Foothills Blvd #3-424, Roseville, CA  95747.  Tax ID #20-2977671