Charles Eugene “Gene” Norman, 86 of Hopkins, died Sunday, Oct. 8,  at the Allegan County Medical Care Community in Allegan.

Gene was born on Jan. 13, 1931, in Banner Springs, Tenn., the son of William and Myrtle (Rodgers) Norman. He and his late wife, Lois, were lifelong residents of Hopkins and lifetime members of the Hopkins Community Reformed Church, where they had many cherished friends. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War.

Spare time for Gene meant hunting and fishing as well as attending various sporting events at the Hopkins High School or cheering for the University of Michigan and Detroit teams. Gene was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, always there for his family.

Surviving are his children, Pamela (Robert) Hennip, Annette (William) Hennip, Dennis (Ruth Ann) Norman, Phillip (Lucy) Norman; 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Besides his wife of 64 years, Gene was preceded in death by his three brothers, William Norman Jr., Kenneth Norman and Scott Norman; and his great-grandson, James Porter.

Friends may meet with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel.  Visitation will also be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Hopkins Community Reformed Church (2142 128th Ave., where the funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Reverend Jonathon VanderWall officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in Gene’s name to Hopkins Community Reformed Church.  Interment to be at Dorr Cemetery.