Richard Norton Jr.

Richard “Rick” Anthony Patrick Norton “Wolfgang” Jr. crossed the bridge to Valhalla on Monday June 13th 2022 after visiting with his loving wife and children at Vibra in DeSoto Texas.

Rick was born to General Richard A. Norton Sr. and Judith A. Norton on April 19th, 1960 in Fort Huachuca Arizona. He grew up in Ware, Massachusetts where he played many sports through school, attended church with his family, all while making lifelong friendships. He went on to college to study computer engineering at Springfield Technical Community College. He later discovered that his true passion was in carpentry, which opened his world up to a community that would quickly become chosen family. He was an artist in many ways, from sculpting and painting to poetry and designing buildings. In his 62 years he has left quite a mark on this world, beautiful homes built with friends, booths with his unique flare on Renaissance Festival grounds all across North America, 5 beautiful children and the family that he created with his profound love. After traveling the Renaissance circuit for many years, sometimes with children in tow he settled down in Waxahachie, Texas working as a contractor at Scarborough. He became the Site Manager a few short years later and held the position for nearly 23 years. His work was his passion. He bred a generation of hard-working passionate children, and turned a castle into a home. Scarborough was his masterpiece. He often said, “I am the artist, my crew are the brushes, and I have a wonderful pallet.” He married his wife Renee at one of his favorite creations “The Crown Stage” on  May 10th 2012. They lived a life of love, making great memories, and handling hardships with grace. Their adventures are countless, taking magical trips all over the world visiting friends and family and always making new ones along the way.

He was preceded in death by his father Richard A. Norton Sr., grandparents John and Theodora Tenore, Norman and Jeanne Norton. His best friends Dave “Dred” Germinaro and James “Merrick” Walker.

Rick is survived by his mother Judy Norton, his wife Renee Balka Norton, sons Jason Norton, Jonathan Norton, and Richard Norton III, daughters Chelsea Norton, Crystal Norton, Jessica Hirmer, and Erika Parker. His grandchildren Madison, Haley, Payton, Bayli, Riley, Maddox, Kayleigh, Rory “Levi,” Kinley, Marissa, Sophia, Aubrey, Anthony, and AnnaKate. He is also survived by his siblings Michael, Sheryl, Mary, Gina, and Kate, many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Rick is known and loved by many. His way of doing things and saying things will always be remembered. His “Yankee” accent combined with the rasp of his gravelly voice will ring in our ears forever. The one thing he was proudest of and considered his finest accomplishment was his children growing into fine adults. Family is everything, he will be missed by so many who respected him and loved him.