Norman Allen Bumby

Mr. Norman Allen Bumby, 91, of Paducah, KY, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center.

Norman  was born on September 27, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York. 

Mr. Bumby was united in marriage to Patricia Bumby in 1962 after meeting in Messana, New York. Together, they shared a devoted marriage and raised five sons: Paul (Jenell), Daniel (Betty), Matthew (Sheri), Mark (Suzan), and Phillip (Judy).

He was a proud grandfather to Jessica (Kenny Koleno), Allison (Cody Collender), Michael (Caroline), Danielle (Justin), Ian, Amiee, Allan, Christopher, Michael, Aric, Nichole, and Brandon, and a loving great-grandfather to Nolan, Lincoln, Raelynn, Layla, Randy, Jessica, Allen, Elijah, Annabella, Kein, Carly, Marty, Sophia, Willow, Haidon, Atlas, and Brysen.

Norman pursued higher education with dedication, attending Clarkson University in New York from 1952 to 1954. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a SEABEE from 1954 to 1956. Following his military service, he attended Rolla College in Missouri, where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1958. Answering a call to ministry, he continued his education at Concordia Theological Seminary from 1958 to 1961, later teaching there for one year in 1962.

His life of service extended internationally when he served as a missionary in Nigeria, Africa, from 1964 to 1966. Upon returning to the United States, Norman faithfully served as pastor at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois, from 1966 to 1976, followed by a decade of ministry at Christ the King Lutheran Church from 1976 to 1986. He concluded his vocational calling as a chaplain at Northern Light Mercy Hospital, where he served from 1986 until his retirement in 2004.

Beyond his professional and pastoral life, Norman found joy in serving others and working with his hands. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans, worked with foster youth programs in Maine, rebuilt full-size trains, and took great pleasure in his model trains and home projects. He was known for his generosity, always eager to share his skills, time, and companionship with anyone around him.

Visitation will be held from 5 pm - 7 pm on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Imes Funeral Home, 311 North 4th Street, Murray, KY 42071.

The memorial service honoring Mr. Bumby will begin at 7 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.

A family graveside service with military honors is set for 10 am on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville, KY.

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory, downtown Murray is entrusted with caring for his family.