Norman Lee Wheatley, 82, of Hawesville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, in Owensboro, Kentucky. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Norman’s life was a testament to quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family.
Born on July 25, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, Norman was the son of Horace Melba Wheatley and Evelyn Haycraft Wheatley. He grew up in a home rooted in faith and community and carried those values throughout his life. He attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School and graduated in 1960. His pursuit of knowledge led him to Humboldt College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he studied airline management.
Norman began his professional journey in Chicago, Illinois, working for United Airlines. Though the city offered opportunity, Norman and his wife knew it wasn’t where they wanted to raise their children. They returned to Hawesville, Kentucky—a place that would remain home for the rest of his life. There, Norman held several positions before finding long-term employment at Martin Marietta, which later became Commonwealth Aluminum. After retiring from there, he continued working at Waupaca Foundry until his second retirement.
Yet retirement never truly meant rest for Norman. Alongside his wife Nancy and their son, Pat, he helped establish a family plant nursery—a labor of love that became his favorite job. It was more than work; it was a passion that kept him active and fulfilled until the day he was hospitalized.
Norman’s devotion to his Catholic faith was steadfast. A lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hawesville, he not only attended services faithfully but also contributed his time and energy to church picnics and even helped build the church itself. In his final days, he expressed peace with his journey and readiness to go to his heavenly home.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Nancy Johnson Wheatley; sons, Wayne (Rhonda) Wheatley, Joelee (Tina) Wheatley, Patrick (Becky) Wheatley, and Joshua (Bridget) Wheatley; daughter Karen (Marty) Snyder; grandchildren Jeremy Wheatley, Cordell (Kristen) Snyder, Brandon Wheatley, Dalton Snyder, Celina Snyder, Sabrina (Wayne) Murray, Trevor Wheatley, Austin (Bailey) Snyder, Alexis (Steven) Garrett, Dylan Wheatley, Chloe Wheatley, Shiloh Wheatley, and Caleb Wheatley; great-grandchildren Noah Wheatley, Grayson Garrett, Olivia Snyder, Vivian Garrett, Rayah Sydnor and expected great grandson, Mason Snyder; brother Steve (Tina) Wheatley; and sister Lois Chapman along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant, granddaughter, Patricia Elizabeth Wheatley; sister Martha Faye England and her husband Ed England; brother Kenneth Wheatley; and sister-in-law Janice Wheatley.
A funeral Mass celebrating Norman’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church located at 115 Main Street in Hawesville, Kentucky. Norman’s family will be greeting friends on Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 3 pm until 7 pm and on Friday from 9 am until 10 am. Share your memories and condolences with his family at www.gibsonandsonfh.com.
Norman will be remembered for his infectious smile that never faded and the quiet yet powerful way he showed love to those around him. He often said that marrying Nancy and raising their family were his greatest accomplishments—and indeed they were. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched with kindness and grace.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in the form of Masses.