Gary Warren Norman, age 81, died in his home in Nixa, Missouri on Thursday, May 12, 2022. Gary was born in Springfield, Missouri on September 26, 1940, to Charles Warren and Helen (Curtis) Norman, who preceded him in death as did a brother-in-law, Matt Ankrom and several close friends.

Gary is survived by his wife Linda (Ankrom) Norman, who he met as a teenager and together they enjoyed 56 years of marriage. Also surviving is his daughter Stacy (David) Schafer; two granddaughters Olivia and Hannah Rose Schafer; a brother Curtis (Carol) Norman; brothers-in-law Mark (Yvonne) Ankrom and Daryel (Anne) Shaffer.

Gary graduated from Parkview High School in 1958. He retired as a partner of Nichols Street Auto Salvage in 2007.

Gary's first love was his family. He loved Linda and valued the love and family they shared. He was overjoyed when daughter Stacy was born and was so proud of her. He missed very few of all the activities she was involved in. Then, he discovered a new kind of love and pride when granddaughters Olivia and Hannah Rose were born. He was a proud PaPa. Gary found joy at an early age in cars and anything car related – collecting automobilia, going to and tv watching stock car and drag racing. Also, at an early age, he became a lifelong New York Yankee fan and was thrilled at age 12 to meet in person a young Mickey Mantle.

A visitation for Gary will be held on Monday, May 23, 2022, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at South Street Christian Church, 500 South Avenue, on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in honor of Gary to the South Street Christian Church Foundation, or to the Least of These Food Bank of Christian County.