Norman D. Turner of Big Rapids died peacefully at his home April 16, 2013. Norm was born on December 1, 1932 in Big Rapids, the son of Floyd and Cecile (Munroe) Turner. He graduated from Big Rapids High School in l951 and in l952 began service in the U.S.Navy where he was trained as a Hospital Corpsman and subsequently attached to the Marine Corps, spending 16 months in the Korean War theatre. When he returned to Big Rapids in 1956, he worked for the Big Rapids Police Dept. and in 1959 the Mecosta County Sheriff's Dept. He was named as Undersheriff in 1960. He began his employment with Hastings Mutual Insurance Company in 1962 as a claims adjuster. His background in Law Enforcement ultimately led to his interest, training and advancement as a Fire/Arson Investigator, which he did for the remainder of his 32 years with Hastings. Norm attended many specialty schools during these years which qualified him to be recognized as an expert in many district, state and federal courts and was honored with a congressional appointment to the National Fire Academy Training Unit in Emmitsburg, Maryland in 1982. Norm lived 77 of his 80 years in Big Rapids and was a truly dedicated son of Mecosta County. He gave much time to many Civic organizations including the Big Rapids Lions Club where he served as President as well as President of the FSU Athletic Associates in its early years. In 1990, he organized the Mecosta County Sports Hall of Fame and was later inducted into that organization. In 2001 he was recognized as an "Outstanding Alumni" by BRHS Association and was chosen to receive the Northern Lights Civics Award in 2004 for his Community service. He was also pleased to be part of the River Walk Committee from its inception. Norm's love of sports led him to do football and basket ball officiating in his younger years and even a one year stint of coaching the Big Rapids High School Girls' Softball team with Gene Bongard. He later broadcast live coverage of High School sports for the local radio station WBRN. Norm enjoyed fishing and when it became too difficult for him to actively do this he turned to making dozens of colorful fishing lures which he mostly gave away to family and friends. He was a member of Third Avenue United Methodist Church where he served as Financial Secretary and Chairman of the Trustee for a number of years. Norm is survived by his wife of 51 years, Virginia and four children: Son, Fred (Cindy) Heck and their children Dan, Katie (Skyler) Chupp, Trey and Jace; Daughter, Frances (Michael) Barker and their children Michael (Allison), Timothy (Rachel), Beth (Tyson) Garner; Daughter Margaret (Peggy) Turner; and James (Mandy) Turner and their daughter Madyson. He also had 6 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers Gordon (Donna) of Big Rapids and Keith (Zonetta) Totten of Lakeland, Florida, and several nieces and nephews. He also had a very special friend, Jim Garber of Angola, Indiana, with whom he worked on many Fire/Arson Investigations during his time at Hastings. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids with Pastor Ed Milam officiating. There will be military honors, at the church, under the auspices of the United States Navy and American Legion Post #98 of Big Rapids. The family will greet friends on Thursday, April 18th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Burial will be at Pine Plains Cemetery in Big Rapids. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of choice. The family requests that memorial giving be made to Third Avenue United Methodist Church in Big Rapids.