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© Havenbrook Funeral Home Norman, Oklahoma November 2011 David Norvell December 16, 1921 ~ November 7, 2011 David Norvell — a decorated World War II veteran and dedicated family man known for his sharp wit — died Monday at the age of 89 at the Norman Veterans Center. David was born Dec. 16, 1921 on a farm near Wynnewood, OK. He was 20 and driving a milk truck for the Kraft Cheese Company when he was drafted into the Army, where he served for three years. He began his training at Ft. Knox, KY at Camp Campbell. As a Technician Fourth Grade, David served in North Africa for several months before the unit was shipped to Naples to become part of the invasion of Italy. David was in one of three combat teams with the 1st Armored Division that took part in the push to Rome. At Monte Cassino, they were blocked by the mighty Rapido River and Apennine Mountains. The soldiers returned to the shores and made the invasion at Anzio, Italy. He fought at Anzio for five months, serving in the 5th Army, 1st Armored Division, the 6th Armored Tank Infantry, 11th Armored Infantry Battalion. He was part of a Combat Command Team, sent to assist the British with fire and reconnaissance. His division fought to Rome, Italy and Germany until the end of the war. He continued serving in the Army of Occupation in Germany until his discharge. In a book recounting his time in the service, "One Man's Story," David noted that he had more than 500 days of front line combat and took part in some of the European theater's most violent battles. The book was David's way of beginning to talk about his experience in the war. "This account of my experiences in World War II lay buried in my heart and mind for too many years before I released it in an effort to heal from the torments these experiences inflicted on me," he wrote. "Along with the healing, I have accomplished another benefit: the preservation of both sad and happy memories, which will keep alive a personal record of our particular group of combatants far beyond our lives. I know of no other group of men whose victories and agonies are more worthy of being remembered. I will treasure them for the rest of my life." David received the Good Conduct Medal, EAME Service Ribbon, four Bronze Service Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge. After leaving the service, David began as an auto mechanic and moved to auto service. He was the service manager in the automobile industry for many years. In his retirement years he enjoyed cooking, gardening, dominoes and bridge. David was known among family and friends for his wry sense of humor. Unlike some World War II veterans, David freely told his war stories to remember the sacrifices made by those who served with him. David was preceded in death by his parents, George Norvell and Ardovey Pruett Norvell. His loving wife of 63 years, Geneva, died April 13, 2010. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Lloyd Elliott Norvell, Roy Ogan Norvell, William Ersell Norvell, Riley Earl Norvell, Jack Norvell, Vera Norvell, Joyce Elizabeth McGee, George Norvell Jr, Arther Norvell, and Dovie Ola Norvell David is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Larry Bloomer of Tulsa; and Janis and Socrates Lazaridis of Oklahoma City. He is survived by one grandson and his wife: Patrick and Carla Bloomer of Edmond and one sister-in-law, Cathryn Norvell of Moore, OK. David is also survived by many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. He was looking forward to the birth of his first great-grandchild, Aurora Snow Bloomer, in early December. David was surrounded and supported through life by many friends and neighbors who were very special to he and his wife. He was a member of Alameda Baptist Church in Norman, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion. David's funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 10th at Havenbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Norman with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery in Wynnewood. |
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