Charles E. "Chalk" Norton

Charles Earnest “Chalk” Norton was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma on August 2, 1949. The son of Charles Edward and Geraldine Marie (Watson) Norton, he graduated from Shawnee High School in 1967. He was a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1966 to 1972 and served in Vietnam 1967-1968. He was a Boatswain’s Mate and swift boat gunner in the Navy. Chalk was an extraordinary husband, Dad, Grampy, son, brother, fire fighter, lobbyist and friend. His survivors include his wife, Doris; daughter Alesa Downing of McKinney, Texas; son Brett Norton of Shawnee; grandchildren Taryn Hampton of Norman, Rylan Hall-Norton of Harrah, and Lily Downing of McKinney. Also surviving are sister and brother in-law Janie and Richard McNew of Chandler, sister in-law Joyce Garner of Oklahoma City and Barbara Anderson of Danville, California as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, Ed and Dean Norton, and his brother, Sandy Norton. Chalk met the love of his life, Doris (Anderson) when he returned home from Vietnam. Married on June 28, 1969 in Shawnee, they were together for more than 51 years. Chalk loved his wife, kids, and grandkids above all else. Chalk was a fire fighter with the Shawnee Fire Department from 1973 to 2007, rising to the rank of Battalion Chief. Chalk was the Legislative Director of the Professional Fire Fighters of Oklahoma from 1977 to 2020. He was instrumental in passing the Fire and Police Arbitration Act in 1994, enhancing the livelihoods of career fire fighters and police officers across the State of Oklahoma. Chalk was inducted into the Oklahoma Labor Hall of Fame in 2011. Chalk was a member of the Shawnee Fire Fighters Association, International Association of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO/CLC Local 206 and served as President of Local 206 for many years. He was also a member of the Oklahoma State AFL-CIO, charter member of the Professional Fire Fighters of Oklahoma AFL-CIO/CLC, and a member of the Central Oklahoma AFL-CIO Labor Council. He was elected to the Executive Board of the Oklahoma State AFL-CIO, served on the Board of Trustees for many years, and was elected Vice President and served in that capacity for 14 years. Chalk was a member of the Oklahoma and Texas Fire Fighter motorcycle club and an honorary member of the Oklahoma Fire Pipe and Drums. Chalk was President of the Shawnee Takedown Club 1991-1992. Chalk represented the State of Oklahoma at the Democratic National Conventions in 2000, 2004 and 2008. Chalk was baptized and joined Redeemer Lutheran Church on July 1, 2001. The memorial service will be Tuesday, January 26 at 10:00 am at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center, 1700 W. Independence St., Shawnee, OK 74804. Visitation will be at Walker Funeral Home, 201 E 45th St., Shawnee, OK 74804 Thursday, January 21 thru Monday, January 25 on a come and go basis. The family will be at the visitation on Sunday 2-4 pm and Monday 4-6 pm. Social distancing and mask protocol will be followed at the visitation and funeral service. Memorial Donations can be made to the Oklahoma Fire Pipe and Drums via email at okfpd721@hotmail.com.