Norman Lee Cretcher, a proud veteran of the Air Force and Arizona Air National Guard, passed away Aug. 3, 2024. He was 92 years of age.
Norm was born to Floyd E. and Blanche F. (Long) Cretcher, in Inwood, on March 6, 1932. Norm graduated from Tippecanoe Township High School in 1950. It was in Bourbon where he met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Craig. They dated for five years.
Norm joined the Air Force in 1951 and served in the Korean War. When on leave, he married Patricia on Sept. 27, 1953, in Bourbon. They started their new life together when he was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California. After serving four years in the Air Force, Norm moved to Tucson, Ariz., where he began his 34-year career in the Tucson Air National Guard 162/TFG ANG. He loved working on jet engines and became a master of the craft. Norm was the Jet Propulsion Engine Shop supervisor for 14 years before retiring in 1989. Norm loved to tinker and tell a few stories along the way. If Norm couldn't fix it, then it could not be fixed!
Upon retirement, Norm and Pat spent fall and winters in Tucson, Ariz., and the spring and summers in Bourbon, Indiana, where they purchased Pat's family farm. He loved remodeling the farm and farmhouse, restoring the family tractor, gardening and so much more. Norm was also an excellent woodworker. We have been blessed with many treasures he made. He enjoyed traveling to see his daughters and family. At 89 years old, an unfortunate ATV leg injury required Norm and Pat to move closer to family so they moved to Maryville, Tenn.
Norm loved life. He loved his career, his hobbies, his church. But most importantly, he loved his wife, his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. Norm was a member of St. Paul's Methodist Church in Tucson, Ariz., and Bourbon Methodist Church in Bourbon. He was also very active in the Bourbon's Lion Club until his move to Tennessee. Norm moved to American House/Wellington Manor in Halls, Tenn., this year where the family is so grateful for the care they provided.
Norm is survived by his children: Pamela Schwanenberger, Cindi (Jeff) Wiebe, Renee (Brandt) Sielaff; five very loved grandchildren: Bryan Schwanenberger, Kelly Wiebe, Casie Wiebe, Zach Sielaff and Alexandra Sielaff. Norm was blessed with seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia of 70 years, his parents and his loved siblings: Donna Jean Grosvenor Metheny, Benjamin Cretcher and Nilas Cretcher. He will be sadly missed and will forever hold a place in our hearts.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Wounded Warriors Foundation.
Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com, is handling arrangements.