Norman Wallace Obituary

NORMAN GEORGE WALLACE Heaven became a lot brighter on March 17, 2025, (St. Patrick's Day), when Norman George Wallace passed onto glory, dying of natural causes at 92 with his loving family bedside. Norman George Wallace was born in Springfield, Vermont on January 16, 1933, to George Albert Wallace and Gertrude Alice (May) Wallace. He was raised by his beloved grandparents, Adin Earl May, and Ethel Alice (Prouty) May. He graduated from Springfield High and was most proud of taking his basketball team to the Vermont State Championship. "Stormin' Norman" attended Norwich University, and after graduation, he entered the U.S. Army. In 1962, while attending the Army Language School at Fort Ord he met the love of his life, BettyRae Nightingale of Pacific Grove, California. A local schoolteacher, they married 3 months later. Together, they raised a family of four and celebrated 63 years of marriage on March 10th. In Vietnam, Norm served as Senior Medical Advisor and was awarded, The Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement in a combat zone. He served his country for twenty-two years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel at Fort Riley. After the Army, Norm joyfully ran Wharton Manor Nursing Home in Manhattan, Kansas, for fifteen years. He valued his staff and treasured his residents. He was awarded the LeadingAge Lifetime Achievement Award before his final retirement. Over his lifetime, Norm was an active member of his church, community, Kiwanis Club, History Club, and Cottonwood Racquet Club and attended as many grandchildren's activities as possible. His life was defined by his love for the Lord, his family, and his country. His wisdom, enthusiasm unwavering love, and generosity will be missed! He was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife, BettyRae (Nightingale) Wallace of Hesston, KS; and his children: Anna Wallace (Robert) McCrummen of Carrollton, TX; David (Hillary) of Moyock, NC; Daniel (Michelle) of Hickory Corners, MI; Rachel (Ken) Bachman of Hesston, KS. Plus, sixteen beloved grandchildren: Luke McCrummen (Cheyenne); Danielle Wallace; Lydia Graham (husband Brooks); Noelle Pathula (Jeneeth); Mark McCrummen; Gabrielle Wallace; Abigail McCrummen; Isaac Wallace; Ben Bollinger; Jonathan Wallace; Elizabeth Bachman; Victoria Wallace; Valarie Wallace;Joshua Wallace; Michael Wallace; Nathan Wallace. Norman is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Haevyn McCrummen; and Lane McCrummen and two more babies on the way! Friends may call from 5:30- 7:30 pm, Thursday, May 27th at Grace Community Church in Newton with family present. The Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, March 28th at 11:00 am at Grace Community Church. Private burial at Hesston Cemetery at 2:00 pm with military honors by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Memorials have been designated for Grace Community Church and Gull Lake Ministries, in the care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, PO Box 32, Hesston, KS 67062.