Ellis R. Norton

He was born on Jan. 31, 1925, in Jamestown, NY, the son of the late Raymond and Marion Lord Norton.

A graduate of Bemus Point High School, he was a four-sport athlete playing football, basketball, volleyball, and baseball. He was a county all-star in basketball, considered the “Red Grange” of the three-year undefeated Bemus Point football team and threw consecutive no-hitters for the Bemus Point baseball team.

He was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving from 1943 until 1945. Following his honorable discharge from the service he continued his education at Syracuse University earning his master’s in education.

After his successful high school baseball career, he was on several minor league teams as a pitcher for the Newark (Ohio) Yankees, Ohio-Indiana League, Amsterdam Rugmakers and the Canadian American League. In 1947 he won the All-New York State Player of the Year playing for the Steel Partition Bombers and won the New York State semi-pro championship.

Prior to his retirement he worked for Jamestown Public Schools as a guidance counselor for many years. In addition, he coached basketball and golf at Jamestown High School. He was a certified football official for 42 years, basketball official for 38 years and track and field official. He received a lifetime achievement award from the Football Officials Association.

Elly greatly loved his family and was a wonderful role model to all who knew him.

Surviving are his three children, Don (Diane) Norton, Mary Joy (Larry) Muntz, and Jeffery Norton; his grandchildren, Kimberly (Damian Taylor) Sisley, Michael (Amy) Sisley, Aaron Norton, and Brian Norton; his great-grandchildren, Jayden Sisley, Kymiah Ryan, Caleb Sisley, Ella Sisley, Ellis Ryan, and Addyson Sisley; his sister Clarice Gates; and numerous nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 75 years, Mary Lou Carlson Norton whom he married Nov. 11, 1945, and who died Feb. 15, 2021; his son Randall Norton, and his brother Warren Norton.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4pm on Thursday April 17, 2025, in the Lind Funeral Home.

Burial will be at Fluvanna Cemetery.

You may leave words of condolence at lindfuneralhome.com.