Tuesday, September 6th, 2022
Norman Fleming
Norman L. Fleming, 89, of Rockford passed away on September 4, 2022 at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert.
He was born on November 18, 1932, in Rockford, son of the late Estus C. Fleming and Grace Leah (Mottinger) Fleming. On May 7, 1955, he married Elizabeth (Croy) Fleming, who preceded him in death on March 24, 1985. On December 5, 1987 Norman married Helen (Landwehr) Garwood Fleming, who preceded him in death on December 21, 2011.
Norman was a farmer, who lived in the Rockford area his entire life. Norman was a member of the St. Teresa Catholic Church in Rockford. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons post #377 for 53 years, serving as Master numerous times, as well as District Deputy and Grand Master. He was also a member of Shanes Arie #1292 for over 60 years, serving as the President in 1953 and 1958. Norman was a member of American Legion post #508, and the Mercer County Farm Bureau. He served 10 years on the Mercer County Farm Service Agency Board, and served 25 years on the Blackcreek Zoning Commission. Norman also served for 20 years on the Parkway Board of Education.
Surviving are one daughter, Laura (Musa) Akel of Jacksonville, Florida; one son, Donald Fleming of Atlanta, Georgia; one step-son, James (Peggy) Garwood of Ashland City, Tennessee; one step-daughter, Joan (Lindain) Brehm of Celina, Ohio; seven step-grandchildren; twenty-two step great grandchildren; and two step great great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and two wives, Norman was preceded in death by two brothers, Ivan Fleming and Leo Fleming; and one step-daughter, Judy Garwood.
A funeral mass will be held 11:00 am Friday morning, September 9, 2022, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 4227 Ohio-707 in Rockford, with Father John Tonkin officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, 3750 US-33 Rockford, OH 45882.
Family and friends will be received from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio with Masonic Rites being performed at 7:00 pm. Family and friends will also be received Friday morning, September 9 from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Norman's memory may be sent to the Cancer Association of Mercer County, 218 South Main Street, Celina, OH 45822.
To share in Norman's online memorial, please visit www.ketchamripley.com.