G. D. (Ben) Norton, age 90, former Wyoming, Michigan resident died Thursday, November 29, 2012 in Fairlawn, Ohio. Ben Norton was born June 10, 1922 to Jacob and Zoe Norton in Ionia, Michigan. With a passion for aviation he learned to fly at an early age. At the outbreak of World War II, he began his service to country by contracting to the U.S. Army to train glider pilots. Upon completion of his contract, he was commissioned Ensign in the U.S. Navy and trained aviators at the Naval Air Station, Ottumwa, Iowa. While in Ottumwa, he met and married Laura Lee Freeburg. After the war they returned to Michigan where he worked at Sparta Aviation. He retired in 1986 from the Grand Rapids Gravel Company. He is survived by his wife of 67 years; daughter Linda (Thomas) Norton-Smith and son Jacob (Brenda), grandchildren, Michael, Kathryn, Jacob Rhy, and great-grandson, Jacob Arlo. A graveside funeral service is planned for Wednesday, December 5, at 11:30 AM at the Grandville Cemetery, 3570 Prairie, Grandville, Michigan. Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333. Arnold 330-456-7291 www.arnoldfuneralhome.com