 NORTON, JAMES STEPHEN "STEVE" was called to his heavenly home on April 6, 2014 following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Steve was born September 11, 1953 in Las Cruces, NM, the oldest of five sons born to Jimmie and Janice Norton. The family moved to Albuquerque in 1960 and after graduating from Del Norte High School in 1971, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was a proud SeaBee serving in California, The Tonkin Gulf during the Vietnam era as well as in Okinawa and Cuba. Many of his Navy friends stayed in touch over the past years and enjoyed getting together for reunions. After his military service Steve followed in his father's foot-steps (big shoes to fill!) and became a professional truck driver. Steve worked for many different companies over the course of his career including Yellow Freight, and Giant Refinery. He was also the owner of his own trucking companies, Three Bears Transport and Truckworks. Steve was proud to be a true "Knight of the Road" and came to the aid of people stranded, broken down vehicles as well as a first responder at the scenes of many accidents. Steve had a great sense of adventure and enjoyed four-wheeling, camping and many summers skiing and boating at Elephant Butte Lake. Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Barton; brother, Bill Norton as well as Bill's wife, Laura. He is survived by his beloved son, Jonathan Norton; father, Jim Norton; brothers, Don and wife Lisa, Tom and wife Kathy, and Ron. He will also be dearly missed by his niece, Amber Owen and husband John, and two great-nephews, Myles and Chase, as well as cousins, other relatives and friends. The family expresses their gratitude to Steve's devoted friend, Mary Pappaianni. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Daniels Family Funeral Services, Sara Chapel, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-892-9920
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