Norman J. Estes

Norman J. Estes, age 81 of Chicago, IL formerly of Plano, IL passed away on Monday, September 20, 2010 at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, IL. He was born on August 3, 1929 in Valier, IL the son of Ellis W. and Elizabeth (Young) Estes.
Norman was united in marriage on January 14, 1946 to the former Dorothy Gladson, the mother of his children, and they spent the next 54 years together until her passing on September 8, 2000. He was then united in marriage on November 3, 2005 to the former Margarita Barba. Mr. Estes served our country proudly from 1950 until 1953 as an Airman First Class in the United States Air Force. He was employed for over 30 years, as a Processing Engineer, with Caterpillar Inc. Norman was a member of the American Legion and the former President of the Plano United Way. He was, when his sons were young, a Little League coach in Millbrook, IL. Norman was a true sports enthusiast who enjoyed fishing and watching the Chicago Cubs, Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks. Norm always had a good sense of humor and a story to tell his family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle who will be deeply missed by both his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Margarita Barba Estes of Chicago, IL; his children, Rodger (Ruby) Estes of Sandwich, IL, Randal (Susan) Estes of Phelps, WI, Diana (David ?Barney?) Johnson of Sandwich, IL, Rodney (Ermalinda) Estes of Plano, IL, and a foreign exchange student that he considered as a son, Dr. Ludo (Nicole) Nijs and his children, Elisa and Peter Nijs of Hasselt, Belgium; his ten grandchildren, Richard Estes, Yvonne (Matthew) Roller, Robert (Chris) Estes, Raymond Estes, Ryan (Beth) Johnson, April Johnson, Sean Maurer, Benjamin Estes, Jennifer (fiance, Nick DiCastanzo) Estes, and Samuel Estes; his four great-grandchildren, Alex, Jacob and Joshua Roller, and Emmalyne Estes; his brother, Robert (Annis) Estes of Garden Grove, CA.; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis W. and Elizabeth Estes; his wife, Dorothy Estes; his daughter and son-in-law, Martha and David Maurer; his two brothers, Ellis Estes Jr. and Howard Estes; and his sister, Venita Smyth.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, September 24, 2010 at the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, 1010 W. South Street in Plano, IL. Interment will follow in the Little Rock Township Cemetery in Plano, IL.
Friends may visit from 4:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at the Funeral Home in Plano, IL.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, (630) 552-7211, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com.