Joy Arthur Oralee Glenn, 89, of Norton, Kansas, passed away November 21, 2017 at his home.
He was born May 22, 1928 in Gothenberg, Nebraska, to John Irvin and Emma (Gill) Glenn. He was raised on a farm southeast of Norton and later moved into town where he attended Norton schools.
Joy enlisted in the Army Air Corps in April 1945 and was stationed in Denver, Colorado and Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he attained the rank of staff sergeant. It was during a bus trip back home that he met the love of his life, Gladys Albin. They visited the entire trip back and knew that they were meant for each other. Gladys and Joy were married in Norton on July 5, 1947. They first resided in Denver and moved back to Norton after his discharge from the military.
They lived in Norton the entire 69 years of their marriage until Gladys’ passing on August 30, 2016. Joy worked several jobs after returning home and eventually joined Quenzers as a propane delivery man in the Norton area. He worked there for several years where he learned the plumbing and electrical trades. Owner Doyle Quenzer contacted Joy and wondered if he would be interested in purchasing the Norton store from them as Doyle was nearing retirement. They came to an agreement and for many years Glenn’s Plumbing and Appliance served the Norton community.
During this time, Joy and Gladys helped his mother run Glenn’s Motel which his parents had built in the 1950s. Emma retired and they eventually sold the motel. Joy retired from Glenn’s Plumbing and turned it over to sons John and Eric. He took on other interests such as doing maintenance at the Norton Manor (now the Norton Housing Authority) before buying the Wayside Trailer Court.
Gladys and Joy lived there for several years while he worked on making many improvements. They eventually sold the court and moved to a home on Waverly Street to enjoy life. Joy was a member of American Legion Post 63 in Norton since he left the military. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and would help anyone when needed. He had belonged to the Norton Jaycees helping put on local events.
Survivors include sons Eric D. and wife Brenda, Norton, children Heather and Chris, Curtis J. and friend Lydia, Norton, Randall L. and wife Denise, Manhattan, children Brock, Justin, Derek, Whitney, daughter-in-law Karen Glenn, Norton, children Mike and Megan, sister Betty Anderson, Norton and 3 great grandchildren, Parker, Sophie and Kylee. Joy was preceded in death by his parents John and Emma Glenn, wife Gladys, son John, grandson Matthew, all of Norton, brothers Alfred, Boise, ID, and Roland, Norton. Cremation was chosen.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Norton Christian Church, Norton, KS with Darrel Boston officiating. Friends may sign the book at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg, KS. Memorials may be given to the Norton Senior Center.