John Franklin Norton

3/19/1949 - 9/29/2024

John Franklin Norton, age 75, of Auburn, Alabama died after a short illness on September 29, 2024 at Arbor Springs Rehab and Health Center in Opelika, Alabama. John was born in Gadsden, Alabama March 19, 1949. He attended Keener (AL) Elementary School, Alma Hinson Junior High in Attalla. He graduated from Etowah High School in Attalla in 1966 and earned a BS degree in aerospace engineering from Auburn University in 1972.

John is survived by brother Earl L. Norton (Julia) of Auburn, AL, sister Phyllis Edwards of Apopka, FL., nephews Tony Norton, Daniel Norton, David Edwards, Charlie Edwards and a dear friend Amy Krietemeyer.

John loved his family, the Norton farm in Little Wills Valley in Etowah County, science, music, and the United Methodist Churches in Attalla and Auburn. He was an Eagle Scout and during his days at Etowah High he participated in the Beta Club and was President of the Key Club. While at Auburn University, he was the pianist for the Auburn Knights Orchestra. Following college, John served with the 3rd Armored Division Band in Frankfurt, Germany as pianist and percussionist and then returned to civilian life for a successful music related career – he joined Kimball International in 1975 as Keyboard Education and Training Director and Concert Artist. In 1996 he moved to Roland International as Regional Sales Manager for the Southeastern U.S.. John was a life-long Methodist and sang during his youth in the choir at the First Methodist of Attalla after retiring in 2011 he sang in the chancel choir of Auburn United Methodist Church and was accompanist for the Chapel Five Quartet 1997-2023. Also, during retirement John provided piano music for wedding receptions, birthday celebrations and other similar events, and was an active member of the Auburn Knights Alumni Orchestra.

A celebration of life service will be held on October 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Auburn United Methodist Chapel at the corner of Gay Street and Magnolia Street in Auburn, Alabama 36830. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. at Hamill Court, adjacent to the Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions are suggested: Auburn United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3135 Auburn, AL 36831; or the Auburn Knights Alumni Association (For: Scholarship Fund) mail to Rusty Logan, Treasurer, 2020 Janabrooke Lane, Auburn, AL 36830.

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