Richard A. Norton

Richard A. Norton, 70, of Oregon, IL, formerly of Neponset, passed away at 7:37 a.m. Sunday, November 9, 2025 at OSF St. Anthony’s Medical Center in Rockford.

He was born on August 30, 1955 in Kewanee, the son of Clarence L. and Patricia (Jones) Norton. He married Sheri West on November 11, 2011 on the Norton Farm in Neponset. Survivors include his wife Sheri of Oregon, his step-mother, Sue Norton of Neponset, two sisters, Debra (Richard) Croegaert of North Port, FL and Gail (George) Farley of Geneseo, a sister-in-law, Tammy Norton of Collinsville, IL and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Martin and John Norton.

Rich graduated from Neponset High School in 1973. Upon graduation, he joined the US Air Force, serving his country with an initial deployment to Japan. He worked as a computer programmer and software engineer for Farmers Insurance, Pioneer Life Insurance, LRI, Alltel, Amcore Bank and Jack Henry. He was a gun enthusiast as well as an American History buff. He was also a lifelong enthusiast of Harley Davidson motorcycles and had traveled to the Sturgis motorcycle rallies with dear friends Ken and Lori. Rich also earned a recreational pilots license. He enjoyed camping and traveling the backroads throughout the United States. Rich could be found relaxing at the river’s edge with one of his favorite dogs: Snickers, Maxine or Sadie.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 17 at Rux Funeral Home, Kewanee. Pastor Terry Lancaster will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Floral Hill Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Neponset American Legion. Memorials can be directed to Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, the Neponset Public Library or the Neponset Historical Society.

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