FRANKLIN
Norman Kenneth Gahimer, 89, of Franklin, formerly of Manilla, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2017, at Franklin United Methodist Center in Franklin.
Born July 21, 1927, in Rush County, he was the son of Edward and Roxie (Jones) Gahimer. He married Rosemary Christina Thomas on Dec. 25, 1947, and she passed away Sept. 12, 1988. He then married Sarah Hilda Parker on June 29, 1991 and she survives.
Norman is survived by daughter, Karen Williams (husband, Garrick) of Cincinnati, Ohio; stepdaughter, Susan Waters of Greenwood; sons, Norman T. Gahimer (wife, Kathy) of Shelbyville, Philip Gahimer (wife, Doretta) of Manilla and Jerry Gahimer (wife, Kim) of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Christy, Curtis, Eddie, Eric, Garrick, Gary, Jennifer, Jeremy, Keith, Miranda, Robbie, Stephanie, Wendy, Eddie, and two great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; spouse, sons, Jeffrey Allen and Kenneth Wayne Gahimer; step sons, Ed and Chuck Parker; granddaughter, Stephanie Gahimer; two great grandchildren, Camden and Cayden Smothers; sisters, Charlene John, Maxine Lightner, Helen Rice; brothers, Richard, William Robert, Byron, and Allen Ray Gahimer.
Norman was a member of Grace Wesleyan Church in Shelbyville, where he had been a past board member and Sunday school teacher. He loved reading the Bible, attending church, yard work, tinkering with items around the house, and spending time with his family.
In 1943, Norman left Manilla High School to join the Navy during World War II. He served on the USS Medea, USS Throttleman, and the USS Hector. He was aboard the USS Hector in Tokyo Bay for the Japanese Instrument of Surrender Peace Treaty. He felt watched over by God because he was kept safe while serving his country. When discharged from the Navy a Machinist’s Mate Third Class USNR, he returned to Manilla High School and finished his junior and senior year of schooling. He then graduated in 1947.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, Shelbyville with Rev. Harvey Weaver and Pastor Don Neal officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Zion Cemetery in Shelby County. A graveside military service will be conducted by a local veterans organization.
Memorials can be made to Grace Wesleyan Church in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.net.
