| [From the Battle Creek Enquirer, Battle Creek, Michigan, 21 Oct 2003.] Norman P. Sterner, 87, of Augusta, died Sunday October 19, 2003 at Heartland Healthcare in Battle Creek. He was born March 3, 1916 in Chattaroy, WA the son of Henry W. and Ruth E. (Porter) Sterner. Norman graduated from Riverside High School in Milan, WA in 1937. Norman served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and was discharged at Camp Beale, CA in 1945. On October 3, 1942, he married Roberta M. Hale in Colorado Springs, CO. Following his military service, Norman attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC, where Mrs. Sterner also attended, she graduated in 1948 and he in 1949. From 1950-54 he was an evangelist song leader and pastor. In 1955 he began a career in civil service with the U.S. Air Force, first in Spokane, WA and then Ogden, UT. In 1976 the Sterners moved to this area, where Mr. Sterner worked with the U.S. Air Force at the Battle Creek Federal Center, retiring in 1980. After retiring, Norman worked as a volunteer for 8 years at Gull Lake Ambulance Service. The Sterners had attended Richland Bible Church, Gull Lake Bible Church, Bible Baptist Church in Augusta and the Richland Covenant Church. He was a member of the Khi Delta Theta Fraternity at Bob Jones University. Norman is survived by Roberta, his wife of 61 years, a son David (Barbara) Sterner of Richland, PA, and grandchildren Matthew and Shelly Sterner. He was preceded in death by a daughter Ruth Eleanor Sterner, a sister Gertrude Lux and brothers Lawrence and John Sterner. At the request of the family, friends may call after 6:00pm Wednesday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek, where the family will receive friends Wednesday from 6-7pm, followed by services at 7:00pm. Interment with military honors will be 10:00am Thursday at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Bob Jones University. |