Norman Lee Calvert, age 83, of Laurie, passed away Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020.

He was born Oct. 6, 1937, in Chillicothe, the son of the late Elwood L. Calvert and Alice E. (Cowsert) Calvert.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, G. Carol Calvert of the home; son, Brent D. Calvert and wife Susan of Montreal, Missouri; daughter, Denise R. Irwin and husband Paul of Laurie; grandson, Cole Calvert and wife Manda of Troy; granddaughters, Sydney Irwin of Springfield, and Sarah Sweatt and husband Jonathan of Montreal; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Brooklynn, Jack, Josh and Hunter.

Norman loved his grandchildren and enjoyed taking them and friends to annual trips to the State Fair when they were little. He also loved and enjoyed watching his great-grandchildren grow up.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his aunt and uncle, Lee and Buck Lungren.

He was united in marriage to G. Carol Penny on Dec. 28, 1957, in Richmond, where they resided and raised their family.

Norman entered the National Guard at age 17 and served for eight years. He was a member and participant of the Masonic and Shriners organizations.

Norman started out as a farmer, sold New York Life insurance, and owned and operated a Yamaha motorcycle business in Richmond. He went on to join a carpenter’s union and the Millwright Union, where he worked for many years and at various jobs in and around Kansas City, including the Ford Motor Co.

In 1983, he and Carol moved to the Lake of the Ozarks, where they began a home building business, Calvert Development. They built many homes for 17 years before retiring in 2000 to enjoy his beloved fishing and hunting. He made multiple trips to Canada with friends, and his son and grandson.

He spent much of his time camping and fishing in Warsaw. He spent his last years fishing there with his fishing buddy, Mike, until he was no longer able to make the trips.

Norman loved life. He was always happy and never met a stranger. Those who knew and loved him will always remember his big smile.

Graveside services and interment will be held at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, at New Hope Cemetery north of Hardin. The family will receive friends from noon to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the New Hope Cemetery Fund. Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.