Wilbur J. Norrington, Sr. of Caro, age 86, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at Fisher Senior Care and Rehab in Mayville, following a courageous battle with cancer. Wilbur was born October 5, 1927 in Unionville, the son of the late Roy & Luella (Esckelson) Norrington, and was a lifelong county resident. He graduated from Caro High School with the class of 1945 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1946, serving in Greenland, as well as Connally, Mitchell and Scott Air Force Bases stateside. Wilbur was united in marriage with the former Betty Jane Dost on March 13, 1948 in Mayville after meeting her only three weeks prior while home on leave from the service. Despite their brief engagement, the couple celebrated a long sixty-six years together. Wilbur was employed for twenty-three years by the State of Michigan, first as a bookkeeper for the Caro Regional Center, and later as a meat inspector and storekeeper. He continued his work as a food inspector for the next twelve years with the USDA in Caro. Wilbur also drove bus for Caro Community Schools for ten years, and in his early years served as a bookkeeper for Whalen Construction and Square Deal in Caro. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro, a past governor of the Caro Moose Lodge, member of the Polish American Club in Caro, American Legion Post #7, AMVETS of Ellington, Florida, and was a dedicated volunteer for the Caro Jaycees. Wilbur will be remembered for his vigorous spirit and countless talents. He enjoyed carpentry and built the home that he and Betty resided in for over twenty-five years. He was an avid golfer and bowler, for which he had a hole-in-one and a 300 game, and also enjoyed boating, fishing, gardening, camping and traveling with his family. Wilbur is survived by his wife, Betty Norrington of Caro; three children and their spouses, Virginia & Tom Lounsbury of Cass City, John & Gloria Norrington of Manistique, Raymond & Jackie Dost of Saginaw; eleven grandchildren, Steven, Jacob, Angela, Ryan, Joshua, Amie, Shawna, Joseph, Janice, Jennifer, and Jillian; twenty-two great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Bonnie Norrington of Flint; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Wilbur was preceded in death by an infant daughter; three sisters and their husbands, Ruth Norrington, Nellie & Donald Kramer, Elsie & Ken Losee; one brother, Elmer Norrington; his father- and mother-in-law, Paul & Marie Dost; brothers-in-law, Charles Beedle, Don Dost, Tim Lynch; sisters-in-law, Virginia and Frieda Dost; one niece, Sharon Losee; and four nephews, Ronald Dost, Dennis Beedle, Tom Lynch and Chuck Dost. In keeping with Wilbur’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 3:30 on Sunday, September 14, 2014 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday from 2:30 p.m. until the time of the service at 3:30 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to Ronald Dost or Donald Dost Scholarship Funds, or the St. Paul Lutheran Church Parking Lot Fund. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro. Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.RansfordCollon.com.
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