Richard Lee Norton, 83, passed away on February 17, 2019, at the Rhode Island Suites in Ransom, Kansas. He was born on July 29, 1935, on the Family Farm south of Utica. He was the son of Thomas and Juanita (Lehman) Norton.

Lee was raised in the Utica community where he graduated from the Utica High School in 1953. After a year of study at Fort Hays State University, Lee joined the United States Navy. After an honorable discharge, Lee returned to FHSU to continue his studies.

He married Delphine Rogers on July 31st, 1959, in St. Francis, Kansas. They returned to the family farm where Lee worked with his father. He was very active in his community throughout his life. He was a member of the McKinstry-Jones Post American Legion, Post Number 380 and the United Methodist Church, both of Utica. He was also a member of the Scott City Masonic Lodge. Lee refereed basketball for several years and was an avid sports fan. He frequently attended local high school activities. After retirement, Lee and Delphine enjoyed wintering in Arizona but returned home to be close to family.

Survivors include his wife, Delphine; son, Dr. Randy Norton and his wife, Dr. Judy Norton of Utica; daughter, Brenda Dinges and her husband Darren of Ness City; three sisters, Faye Bauer of Hays, Wilma Ochs of Granbury, Texas, and Judith Carter of Fountain, Colorado; 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother, Elizabeth Russell Norton; one sister, Jeane Borthwick; and two brothers, Leonard and Clell Norton.

Funeral service will be on Thursday, February 21, 2019, 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, Utica, Kansas. Burial in the Utica Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Utica United Methodist Church or the Hospice of the Prairie, Dodge City.