Norman C. Colter Obituary (1931 - 2012)

READFIELD- Norman C. Colter, 81, loving husband, father and grandfather, died Thursday, November 1, 2012 at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta after a 23 year battle with cancer. Norman was born in Houlton on June 26, 1931, son of the late Harold and Mae (Dunphy) Colter. Norman graduated high school at Ricker Classical Institute in Houlton. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After his honorable discharge from the service, he became Deputy Sheriff of Aroostook County and was a prison guard and policeman in Jackson, Michigan. In his 30’s, Norman returned to school, achieving his associates degree at Jackson Community College and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University. Norman taught Criminal Justice at Merrimack Community College in St. Louis, Missouri for 22 years, during which time he took a 3 year leave of absence to venture to Vietnam, acting as a public safety advisor at the police Academy in Saigon. He retired from teaching as a full professor. A man with a strong faith in God, Norman was a member of Dunn’s Corner Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon. He was also a charter member of Gateway Athletics in St. Louis and the St. Louis Track Club. Norman was an avid golfer and was very active in the outdoors. He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement in Maine and loved his retirement home, but neither superseded the love he had for his grandson, Charlie. Norman was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty Ann” Colter, and three brothers, Gene, Clifford and Bev Colter. He is survived by his son and daughter, Greg Colter and wife, Kathleen, of Jacksonville, FL and Marianne Weinstein of Readfield; one brother, Wendell Colter of Mt. Vernon; five sisters, Connie Friel & husband, Al, of New Limerick, Pat Gentle & family of Houlton, Bea Diede of Colorado, Phyllis Byron of Millinocket and Hazel Cote of Portland; his grandson and the apple of his eye, Charlie Lewis Weinstein; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of Norman’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, Nov. 5 at Dunn’s Corner Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon. Committal prayers and interment with full military honors will be held graveside at 10:00am on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta. In lieu of flowers, donations in Norman’s memory may be made to Dunn’s Corner Baptist Church, c/o John Dunn Jr., 120 Pine Tree Rd., Litchfield, Maine 04350. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop where Condolences, memories, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com