Roscoe Alexander Norton, Jr., 93, of Appomattox, passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2017. Roscoe was born February 1, 1924, in Mexia, Texas to Toye Mae Wells Norton and Roscoe Alexander Norton, Sr. He grew up and attended high school in Oklahoma. After high school his parents and he moved to Fort Scott, Kansas where Roscoe attended junior college. While living in Fort Scott, Roscoe was recruited into the Army. He also met the love of his life, Marie Hildreth, and the two were married May 28, 1944, and were newlyweds for 70 years.

As a young man in Oklahoma, Roscoe accepted God's plan of salvation. His love for God, his faith, and his prayer life influenced not only his life, but was also an anchor throughout his and others lives. His firm faith touched both family and friends alike.

Roscoe was a corporal in the 78th Division 303rd Engineer Battalion in Germany during World War II. The 78th was the last flank on the north side of the Bulge that did not move. He witnessed the miracle at the Bridge of Remagen and was awarded a bronze star for participating in the capture of the Schwammenauel Dam.

Returning home after World War II, Roscoe worked for Winchell Manufacturing in Fort Scott, Kansas, one of the first businesses to manufacture electric lawnmowers. After leaving Kansas, Roscoe worked for many other businesses. These took him to different states including Indiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. He taught electrical wiring and also worked as an engineer designing electric blanket controls, micro-miniature relays, and slide switches. A relay that he designed for a communication device is still on the Moon and a switch he created for a television was utilized in the game Pong.

Roscoe Norton served as a Troop Master for Boy Scouts of America in both Kansas and Indiana.

Roscoe's greatest joy was serving his Church. Everywhere he moved, he sought out a new church where he could serve. He was involved with Bible study, teaching Sunday School and Training Union, as a Deacon, and on committees, as needed.

A joy nearly equaling his love of serving God was his love for his family. Roscoe is survived by his younger brother, Joe Norton of Fort Worth, Texas; a daughter, Taunya Norton of Appomattox; four grandchildren, Morgan (Brenya) Straws of Gilbert, S.C., Gabriel "Gabe" Metts of Batesburg, S.C., Amanda (Juan) Guerrero of Statesville, N.C. , and Alexandria "Alex" (Christopher) Purches of Appomattox, Va.; six great-grandchildren, Josiah and Solomon Straws of Gilbert, S.C.; and Ayden, Lilly, Madison, and Charlotte Guerrero of Statesville, N.C.

Roscoe was preceded in death by his parents, Toye and Roscoe Norton; his sister, Eloise Butts; his sister-in-law, Elaine Norton; his lovely bride, Marie Hildreth Norton; a daughter, Rosemary Metts; and a great-grandchild, Isaiah Straws.

Funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at Liberty Baptist Church by Rev. Rusty Small. Burial will be in Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia.

The family will receive friends at Robinson Funeral Home Tuesday, March 28, 2017 from 7 until 8:30 p.m. and other times at the residence.