David A. Norton, 63, of Coldwater, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, August 18, 2012 at his home.

The funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 24, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Coldwater with Pastor David Pierce officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, August 23, from 2 – 8:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. Interment of ashes will be held at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater.

David was born January 6, 1949 in Coldwater to Gerald E. & Barbara (Allen) Norton, they both preceded him in death. He married Christine (Weage) Davenport on January 26, 1985 in Coldwater.

Mr. Norton was a lifelong resident of Coldwater. In 1966, at the age of 16, he graduated from Reppert’s School of Auctioneering in Decatur, Indiana, and then from Coldwater High School in 1967. David owned and operated Norton Auctioneers in Coldwater for over forty years. He was a world famous auctioneer, conducting over 4000 auctions in 44 states and several foreign countries. He has held a real estate license since 1967 and was one of the few auctioneers licensed in every state. David was also very generous with benefit auctions, helping to raise over 3 million dollars for their causes. Mr. Norton was very active in his many trade organizations. He was past president of the Michigan State Auctioneer Assoc., National Past President of the Showmen League of America and 10 year director of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association. He belonged to the American Coaster Enthusiast, National Carousel Association, Int’l Assoc. of Fairs & Exposition, Int’l Assoc. of Amusement Parks, Nat’l Auctioneers Assoc., Circus Fans of America and Tampa Showmen’s Club. David was an active member of the Coldwater Elks # 1023 and a former Elk of the Year, he was very supportive of the Tibbits Opera House and had served as past Director of the Tibbits Foundation. David also belonged to the Coldwater Rotary, Lions and Optimist Clubs.

David is survived by his wife Christine, his daughter Catherine A. (Gary) Lams of Coldwater, his step sons W. Samuel Davenport III, Eric K. (Staci) Davenport all of Coldwater, his sisters Candee (Jeff) Arnold of Fremont, Denise (Wes) Kinsey of Coldwater, Kelly (Cameron) Otto of Coldwater, his grandchildren David, Bridjit, Jillianne, Xander, Alexa, Olivia & Emmett. In addition to his parents, David was also preceded in death by his mother-in-law Janet Weage and his grandparents David Howard and Christina (Hillborg) Allen.

Memorials may be directed to the Tibbits Restoration Fund. www.dutcherfh.com

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