Norman Ernest McCalip

Norman Ernest McCalip, age 84, of Norman passed away on April 13,2023. He was born February 3, 1939 in Norman Oklahoma. He was the oldest son born to Cora Marie (Kotner) McCalip and John Ernest McCalip. Norman was later joined by two brothers Donald Ray McCalip and John Ronald McCalip. He lived his entire life in the Norman area and attended school in Goldsby and Norman. Norman married the love of his life, Lenora Irene Willcox on September 16, 1960. Together, they made the Willcox homestead their family home. Together they raised 3 amazing children. Norman was a devoted, loyal and hard worker. Throughout the years he had a wide range of careers but no matter where he was working, he always gave it his all. He worked within auto parts and dairies. He even owned and operated McCalip Home Improvements with his wife, Lenora and son, Jonathan. He was also the Transportation Director for Noble Public Schools for many years. He ended his employment years at West Star Oil Company as a Lease Consultant at the age of 75. Norman's hobbies were bowling, fishing, gardening and playing dominoes. He loved to grow a huge garden and share his crops with families, friends, and co-workers. Norman was an active member of Etowah Baptist Church where he contributed in the bus ministry, bread ministry and the charity pharmacy. He loved helping in any area he was able, but his favorite was vacation bible school. He was known by so many children as the "Turtle Man" because he would spend hours catching turtles for the turtle races. Norman and Lenora were active members of a school sign committee, where they worked diligently placing historical signs at rural schools in Cleveland County. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, John and Cora McCalip; his bonus mom, Laverne McCalip; and his brothers, John Ronald McCalip and Donnie Ray McCalip. He is survived by, his beautiful wife of 62 years, Lenora; his daughters, Terri Baxter and husband Justin of Eufaula, Ok, and Kristi McCalip Canfield of Norman; his son, Jonathan Canfield and wife Sierra of Norman; 4 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren with another expected to arrive in May. The family will be receiving friends and relatives from 5:00- 7:00 P.M. on Monday, April 17, 2023. Services will be held at Wilson Little Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 18th at 10 am. Burial to follow at Mars Hill Cemetery in Pottawatomie County. www.wilsonlittle.com

Norman Ernest McCalip

February 3, 1939 - April 13, 2023