Norman Justice

Norman D. Justice, 85, died Sunday, February 5, 2012 at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth following a brief illness.
Norman (Norm) was born in Dallas Center and raised in Greenfield, Iowa, the son of Dick and Lucile (Scott) Justice. After graduating high school, his early love of airplanes led him to enlist in the Army Air Corps in hopes of becoming a pilot. World War II soon ended and the need for pilots diminished, postponing his dream. While attending Iowa State University, he met and married the love of his life, Marian (Moe), in 1948. After graduating with a degree in Engineering, he pursued a career in the aerospace industry which involved him in many historic projects, such as the Saturn V Rocket, the Man on the Moon program, and the Space Shuttle program.
Norm's career led him to move his family to California and Mississippi, during which time many memorable summers were spent together camping in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and numerous National Parks around the country en-route to visit relatives. This cemented his family's closeness, and developed their love of animals, nature and the great outdoors.
In the late 1960's, Norm was able to fulfill his dream of learning to fly. Soon after, he began his goal of rebuilding a Ryan PT-22 World War II airplane. This monumental effort involved the whole family, who all enjoyed the fruits of their labors with unforgettable rides in "The Ryan", doing low flying fly-bys, barrel rolls, hammerhead stalls and just "plane" flying around the countryside in "the coolest" of airplanes.
Norm retired at age 55 and accomplished yet another dream - building his own grass airstrip, airplane hanger, barn, corrals for Moe's horses and a welcoming log home in Covington, Texas. It was here that Moe and Norm hosted dozens of fly-in's, reunions, and celebrations over the last 30 years. Norm and Moe were the glue that continually brought both of their families together, along with their many friends, who became "part of the family". Norm and Moe played pivotal and active roles in the lives of each of their grandchildren, and generously lent them a helping hand whenever needed.
Norm believed in the old school philosophy of working hard and doing things right, which often meant doing things the hard way. All those recruited to help considered it a privilege and shared in the satisfaction of a job well done, proven recently with the collective effort led by Norm to refurbish another Ryan PT-22 for son Rick. These values played an integral part in the character development of his children and grandchildren, and for that, they are forever grateful.
He leaves his wife of 63 years, Marian ( Moe) Justice; son, Rick Justice and his spouse; daughter Michele (Justice) Moore and her spouse; and daughter Karen Justice; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a sister-in-law; four nieces; four nephews; cousins; great-nieces and great-nephews; other extended family and many close friends.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Eileen Incho and her spouse; brother Phil Justice; and son Dirk Justice.

Private memorial services were held on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012.

Memorials may be sent to the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society.

Service

Private memorial services were held Wed. Feb. 8, 2