Norman Charles Strawn, 88, of Mount Vernon, passed away July 24.

Norman was born Dec. 23, 1929, in Central City, Neb., to Dwight and Fern Strawn.

When Norm was 4, his family moved to Eastern Washington, eventually settling in Richland. During WWII, the Strawns sold the farm to the U.S. government — Norm was the oldest living Hanford Project evictee.

After high school, Norm joined the Army. He served four years during the Korean War, spending the majority of his service stationed in England with the Royal Artillery.

Norm moved to Burns after the war, where he met his first wife, Barbara Timms. The two operated a mobile home park at the edge of Hines for decades. In the 1980s, Norm met Maria Daly. The two wed in 1989, moving to John Day shortly thereafter.

Norm enjoyed hunting, the outdoors, and watching westerns. Later in life, he enjoyed singing to family, friends, and strangers alike.

He is survived by his wife, Maria; two step-daughters, Florence Merritt of Kirkland, Wash., and Kathleen Sligar of Portland; and sister, Janice Hillmand of Seattle, Wash.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Norman’s name to the John Day Senior Center.

To light a candle for Norman, please visit: www.driskillmemorialchapel.com.

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