Emmett Gorden Norwood age 95, of Springfield, Mo. passed away at 10:42 p.m., Monday, August 21, 2011 in the Missouri Veterans Home, Mt. Vernon, Mo. He was born in Owensville, Mo. to Stephan R. Norwood and Anna Uffington. He and his wife, Betty G. Norwood moved to Springfield in 1959. Gorden was a retired chief warrant officer III, with 23 years in the Unites States Navy. After moving to Springfield he worked at Royal McBee for ten years. He then worked for General Electric for ten years. He was a member of The Fleet Reserves and The Elks Lodge. Gorden was a great communicator. He and his devoted wife always opened their home for visitors. He was very knowledgeable on recent world and important historical events throughout his long life. Gorden was very industrious. He was also very loyal and kind to his friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Norwood; brothers, Victor and Bill; and sisters, Marilyn and Cecil. He is survived by a son, Steve Norwood; daughter-in-law, Brenna Norwood; granddaughter, Shanna Norwood; and grandson, Sean Norwood, all of Houston, Texas; and his close friends Jim and Rosemary Sparks of Springfield, Mo. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 26, 2011 in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Mo. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Friday in Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 East Seminole, Springfield, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a military veterans' organization, or a charity of the donor's choice.