Robert William Norton

Robert W. Norton, “Bob”, 71, of Decatur, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday July 26, 2026.
Bob was born on May 6, 1955 in Portland, Indiana to William Richard Norton and Hilda E (Mans) Norton. He graduated from St. Teresa High School in Decatur, IL. He received much acclaim and was honored for his skill in football. Bob attended the University of Illinois on a football scholarship.
After leaving the university he moved to the state of Washington and then eventually began working in the seafood business in Pennsylvania. Next, he moved to Florida where he worked for Florida Fish. Ultimately, he opened his own business Norton’s Seafood Sales, Inc. in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
After many years, he returned to Decatur to help care for his ailing mother. He took over running his father’s gym floor business until he started his own business, Gym Floor Services, Inc
Shortly after returning to Decatur, he met his future wife, Patricia Depue-Kwit. They were married on April 6, 2002 at Holy Family Church in Decatur, IL. Bob and Patty were blessed with one daughter, Emma Louise. Bob was a devoted husband and father who treasured every moment he spent with his beloved family.
Surviving are his wife and daughter, Patty Norton and Emma Norton of Decatur; sister and brother-in-law Suzanne and Paul Moser of El Cajon, California; sister and brother-in-law Mary Ellen and Terry Hayes of St. Louis; sister Nancy Norton of St. Louis; sister Elizabeth Norton of St. Louis; several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, infant nephew Benjamin Moser, nephew Sean Hayes, one sister-in-law, four brothers-in law, two nephews, one great niece.
Friends and family may call at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home located at 2827 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL on Tuesday August 4, 2026 from 4-6 p.m. for visitation. A vigil prayer service and Rosary Service will follow visitation.
Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday August 5, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Decatur, IL. Ashes will be interred at Mt. Gilead Cemetery immediately following services. There will then be a funeral luncheon at the Holy Family Parish Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Family Church or Holy Family School.