Norman Sebastian

Norman H. Sebastian, 81, of Jackson passed away Sunday, Nov. 16, 2003, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Feb. 28, 1922, in Jackson, son of Hugo and Amanda Fluegge Sebastian. He and Marie Seabaugh were married Jan. 13, 1945, at Tilsit.

Norman worked at the former Lorberg Funeral Home and Appliance in Cape Girardeau and the former Kamp TV and Appliance in Jackson. In 1955, he established Sebastian Sales and Service. He sold the business in 1980 but continued operating from his home until 1998.

He was a charter member of the former Good News Christian Center in Jackson and had served as an elder. He was a past president and 25-year member of Gideons International and was active in its jail ministry.

Other affiliations include current member and past commander of Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 in Jackson and former member of its Honor Guard; past board member (1979 to 1989) of Mid-America Teen Challenge in Cape Girardeau; current member, past secretary and board member of TPA Post M in Cape Girardeau; past state president and former national director (1976 to 1978); and a 50-year member of RSES (Refrigeration Service Engineers Society).

Norman also enjoyed assisting with Bible study at the veterans home.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army Feb. 16, 1945, and was assigned to the 153rd Sta. Hospital. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant Dec. 14, 1946.

Loving survivors include his wife; a daughter and son-in-law, Janet and David Wendel of Jackson; three granddaughters, Amy Schaefer and husband WO2 Chris Schaefer of Clarksville, Tenn., Lori Owens and husband Allan of Jackson, Sarah Sanchez and husband Emilio of Taylorsville, Utah; and three great-grandchildren, Joshua and Julia Schaefer and Eli Owens.

Also surviving are three brothers, Freeman and Nelson Sebastian of Jackson, Elmer Sebastian of Florissant, Mo.; two sisters, Esther Devenport and Jean Eftink of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by a son, Dennis Wayne Sebastian May 10, 1986, and a brother, Walter Sebastian.

Friends may call at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. An American Legion service will be held at 7.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Johnny Seabaugh officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Gideons International, Mid-America Teen Challenge, Alzheimer's Association or Missouri Veterans Home.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at mccombsfuneralhome.com.