NORTON, Silas Parley

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 03/23/2012 Silas Parley Norton died quietly Sunday, March 19, 2012, at his home in Mesa after a valiant fight with cancer. He was born Jan. 16, 1943, in Eagar. Silas was raised in Eagar and attended Round Valley High School where he was an outstanding all around athlete who excelled in football and basketball. After graduating from Round Valley in 1962 he went to Eastern Arizona College to play basketball where he met his wife Gaye Denese Leonard. Silas was drafted into the United States Army in 1968 and served for eight years active duty until he was medically retired. Silas leaves behind his wife, Gaye; daughters: Twila and Tawni; sons: Treck and Tyson. He also left a great legacy of 15 grandsons, four granddaughters and two great grandchildren. Silas was a great man who absolutely loved his family. He spent many hours watching and caring for his children and grandchildren. If he wasn’t on the floor playing with the grandchildren, he was attending every sporting, academic, and religious event. Silas was a master craftsman when it came to woodworking and always made sure to create unique and special treasures for each of his grandchildren’s birthdays. Silas’ warm and charismatic personality drew people to him; he made a friend everywhere he went. Silas will be remembered for his smile that lit up his whole face, his big heart and his unconditional love for everyone. Friends and family are invited to attend funeral services at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Eagar Stake Center in Eagar. A viewing will be held from 6-7 p.m. Friday, March 23 at Burnham Mortuary, 535 N. Main Street in Eagar; and from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, March 24, prior to the memorial service at the Stake Center. Send online condolences at website www.burnhammortuary.com. Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements