Norman Lee Cherry

Norman Lee Cherry went to be with his Lord and Savior early on February 21, 2025. He went to sleep as a weary soldier and stepped into the light of glory and everlasting joy.
 
Norman was born on November 17, 1933 to Ollie and Leila Cherry in Bardwell,Ky, the third of four children. He was a beloved and cherished husband, father, brother, son, uncle, grandfather and friend. He came to saving faith at an early age and his faith was a source of strength and comfort for his entire life. For all of his years, he worshiped with fellow believers who simply gathered in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, wherever he lived.
 
Norman met the love of his life, Imogene (Jeanne) Raleigh, while attending dental school at the University of Louisville. Upon graduation in 1959, they married and began what would be a career of serving his country in the United States Army. Norman and Jeanne added two little girls, Lisa and Debbie to their family and went on to live in Colorado, North Carolina, Texas, Germany, and finally, retirement in his home state of Kentucky. Norman would serve during the Vietnam conflict from 1966 to 1967. He was awarded a number of service awards through the years including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service medal. He was a commander and director of dental clinics and medical detachments during his Army career.
 
In his off-duty life, Norman was a true Renaissance man. He was a gifted musician, an athlete, a carpenter, a hiker ,a home cook,a pilot and a DIY expert. A crowning achievement would be climbing the Swiss Matterhorn. He and Jeanne entertained many and spent tireless hours volunteering for the girl’s high school activities.
Norman would go on to retire as a full Colonel from the Army in 1982 and fulfill his dream of farming and building a home with Jeanne on their farm with the help of his brothers and father. It would be his “Old Ky Home” for 35 years before he and Jeanne made the difficult move to Minnesota to be near their daughter. Ever the adventurer, he embraced the snowy North Country and enjoyed driving through the farmlands to experience the wonder of the seasons.
 
Norman was proud of his military service, and yet ever humble with his many achievements. He was a faithful soldier to the end and received his greatest reward when he entered into the presence of His Savior.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Leila Cherry and his two older brothers, Bill (Louanne)Cherry and Donald (Naomi) Cherry. He is survived by his beloved wife, “Jeanne”, younger sister Elizabeth (Tom) Hoskins, of Clinton, daughters Lisa (Caleb) Conner, of Canyon Country, CA and Debbie (Rodney) Blake of Savage, MN, grand daughters Catherine (Bryan) Binotti of San Diego, CA, and Elizabeth (Barry) Brockmeier, of Santa Clarita, CA.
 
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell, with Dennis Pierceall officiating. Burial will follow at Columbus Cemetery in Columbus, Kentucky.
 
Visitation will be held from 10:30 AM until the service hour of 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell.
 
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Bible Truth Publishers, P.O. Box 649, Addison, IL 60101.
 
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.