Norman Dean Lovelace

Norman Dean Lovelace, 92 of Dugger, Indiana went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 3, 2023 at his residence after a life well lived.

            He was born on March 24, 1930, the son of Herman and Eunice (Storey) Lovelace.

            He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Joan (Pigg), Virginia (Catt), Dora (Lester), Charlotte (Bailey) and Marion (Mitchell).

            He is survived by his wife of 67 years Beatrice who he married on September 2, 1955 and three sons, Rick (Gina) Lovelace of Dugger, Indiana, Randy (Erika) Lovelace of Bedford, Indiana,  Lane (Dawn) Lovelace of Dugger, Indiana, several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was proud of the all.

            Norman graduated from Union High School in 1948. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp on July 5, 1948 and saw action during the Korean War. He achieved the rank of Corporal First Class and was a member of the 1st Marine Division, 8th Regiment, 3rd Battalion, Weapons Company. During rifle training he shot the wrong target for the first round but still qualified as expert and won the Sharpshooters medal.

            He took part in General McArthur’s famous Inchon Landing and the Battle for Chosin Reservoir. He was also part of the only J. company in history of the U.S. Marine Corps. Company J was formed from the survivors of multiple units that sustained heavy losses. As late as 2022 he could still recite his Marine Corps serial number and the serial number of his issued M1 Garand Rifle. He would say” They beat those numbers into you.”

            Returning home from Korea in 1952 he worked at Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center (formerly NAD Carne) first on the police force and later as a firefighter retiring in 1980. His official title was “Fire Apparatus Engineer.” Ask him what that title meant, and he would tell you, “I drove a truck.”

            He learned to fly on the G.I. Bill and became a commercial pilot and flight Instructor. He gave flying lessons at Linton, Sullivan, and Bloomfield between 1968-1975 and flew many different types of aircraft.

            Norman was a devout Christian and one of his greatest attributes was leading by example. He lived the life that he felt Christ wanted all of us to live. He will be missed by all.

            Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM Monday, February 6, 2023 at Newkirk’s Funeral Home in Dugger, Indiana with Pastor Randy Tucker officiating. Burial in the Dugger Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites by the Sullivan Co. Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 12:00PM until services.

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