Neil LeRoy Norcross

NORCROSS, Neil LeRoy
Kalamazoo, MI Neil was born the 1st of August, 1928 in South Haven, Michigan. He married his high school sweetheart Betty Jane Cochrane on the 25th of November, 1950. Neil L. Norcross went to be with his Lord on Saturday afternoon, November 15th, 2008. He passed away, in the presence of family, at Rose Arbor Hospice. He was the son of Glenn and Edna Norcross. Neil was a teacher all of his life, retiring from teaching at Kalamazoo Central High School, where he was the head of the science department, and he was awarded the Outstanding Teacher Award from the University of Chicago in October, 1984. He had a Master's degree, plus, in Physics from Western Michigan University. He enjoyed camping, gardening, scouting, playing games, travelling, he was a member of the Milwood Methodist Church choir for 46 years, and he was on the Heyl Scholarship Fund board. Neil and Betty enjoyed 22 years of Florida winters where they made many great friends. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family, especially playing games with his grandchildren. Neil was preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, Bess Goff and Robert Goff and Gertrude Hokenmaier. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty Jane Norcross of Kalamazoo, brother-in-law, Karl Hokenmaier of Kalamazoo, four children, Lee and Bonnie Norcross of Grand Rapids, Karen and Michael Gray of Kalamazoo, Neil and Cecilia Norcross of Allegan, and Roy and Elaine Norcross of Hamilton. He also has nine grandchildren, Shalain, Adam, Joseph, Joshua and Toni Norcross, Lindsey and Rob Landeck, Cody, Justin, Luke, Tracy, and one great-grandchild Layla Rose. Neil is also survived by his nieces and nephews: David and Mindy Goff, Diane and Dick DeKam, Karl Hokenmaier, Glen and Cindy Hokenmaier, Deb and Jim Houseman, and Robert and Carrie Hokenmaier. He also has three step-grandchildren Marie, Hope, & Christy and five step-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at the Milwood United Methodist Church, 3919 Portage Rd. on Wednesday, 5:00-7:00pm and Thursday at 6:00pm. Memorial services will be held at Milwood United Methodist Church at 7:30 pm on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Milwood United Methodist Church or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Private interment will be held on Saturday in Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Arrangements were made by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622. Burdick St. www.langelands.com . 343-1508.