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It is with deep sadness that the family of John Drew Norton announces his death on May 17, 2018 following a valiant battle with cancer. John’s heart, strength, resilience and humor in the face of his illness were an inspiration to his family and friends.
John was born on July 30, 1961 in Greensburg, Kansas to Billy and Grace Norton (Blakely), He was raised in Beaver, Oklahoma and graduated from Beaver High School in 1979. John attended the University of Oklahoma, graduating in 1990 with a degree in Journalism. John’s career in TV news began in Amarillo, Texas and took him to Las Vegas, Nevada before he returned to Oklahoma to work for more than a decade at KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City.
During his TV career, John was named California’s Associated Press photographer of the year, received several other AP awards, was honored by the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters and was nominated for nine Emmy Awards. In 2014 John joined the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and worked as a Videographer/Editor on the Discover Oklahoma TV show.
As well as making it a career, John enjoyed photography as a hobby, along with hiking, mountain biking, snow skiing, working out, gardening and attending the opera.
John will be lovingly remembered by his husband Danny Morton, by his brothers Brian, Kevin and Steven, by sisters-in-law Sherri, Sheila, and Niki and by his nephews Rusty, Micah, William and Seth. The dear friends he chose to travel with, to vacation with and to spend his holidays with will also passionately remember John.
There will be no services. John’s ashes will be spread at a beloved hiking spot where he enjoyed fellowship with nature, with friends, with family and with his dearly loved dogs.
Those who desire may make memorial donations to The Bella Foundation, to The American Cancer Society, or to Teen emPower Inc.
Lan McCabe says
Our sincere condolences for your loss.
Sincerely the McCabe family.
Michael Kelehar says
So very, very sorry to learn of John’s passing. I will remember him for his passion for his friends, his family and his dogs. John touched many, many lives, giving more than he took and leaving a legacy of love and compassion.
Gaila says
John was a brilliant videographer and I enjoyed so many pieces he was involved with. He was a wonderful piece to a big friendship puzzle that will forever be different and missing part of its whole.
Fly high John!
Gary and Bonnie says
So sorry to hear about John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you all.
Kelly Yeomans (Thornberry) says
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you now and the days ahead. I’m so very sorry for your loss. May God give each of you comfort during this difficult time.
Sandi Sorrels Flickinger. says
So so sorry. Prayers from our family to yours
Classmate of John
Scott Fees says
As a police officer in Edmond, I was once on a crime scene where the TV media showed up. I look up and see John, who I hadn’t seen since high school. I was like, “Hey, I know you!” Then it seemed like I would see John everywhere. Turned out we even went to the same gym.
So sorry for your loss.
Classmate, Beaver HS 1979.
Phil Trippet says
Brian, Kevin, and Steve- I am so sorry to hear this. I have lots of good memories of our neighborhood. I am praying for you guys.
Danita Phillips says
No longer in pain; forever in peace. Classmate 1979
Malinda Overton Webb says
So sorry to hear of John’s death. Brings back lots of memories from church and high school. Always quiet with good heart.
Thoughts and prayer to family and friends.
BHS Class of ‘79
Sheryl Melton says
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a smart, hard working man of multiple talents. May you find peace and comfort.
BHS English Teacher
Jerry Boatright says
So very sorry gor your loss Danny and Johns family.Such a good spirit in this world A star is gone but left so many memories and friends.
Denise James Bennett says
So sorry for your loss. I knew John only while growing up in Beaver. He had a warm heart, was kind and a great classmate.
Philip Atkinson says
Just heard about the passing of John. He was a good friend and a great guy. Many memories growing up with John and his brothers! RIP old friend!
Philip Atkinson
Class of 1979