Michael Lee Norton, 63, of Hays, Kansas, entered the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ on June 4, 2026, following a tragic drowning accident while vacationing on the Buffalo National River in Arkansas.
Mike was born on October 11, 1962, in Quinter, Kansas, to Leo and Vivian (Kesler) Norton. He grew up on the family farm near Quinter, a place that remained dear to him throughout his life.
After graduating from Quinter High School, Mike attended technical college in Dodge City, earning a degree in diesel mechanics. Throughout his life, he worked on the family farm, as a mechanic for Shaw Motor Company in Grainfield, as a custodian at Fort Hays State University, with the Kansas Department of Transportation in WaKeeney, and as a school bus driver in Quinter and Hays.
Mike met his wife, Vicky, at Westview Church during a Christian singles gathering. They spent nine years together before marrying on November 1, 2014.
Mike loved Jesus and was active in New Life Center Church in Hays. He was known as a friendly, hardworking man who cared deeply for his family, friends, and community.
A diehard Ford man, Mike especially loved Mustangs. He enjoyed drag racing his 1973 Mach 1 Mustang, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, attending car shows, and talking about anything with wheels and an engine. He was also a loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan and enjoyed NASCAR, football, and Kansas Jayhawks athletics.
Mike was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. More than anything, he loved his family and treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Vivian Norton, and his brother Lonnie, who died at childbirth.
He is survived by his wife, Vicky Norton of Hays; his son, Trevor Norton and wife Madison Norton; his stepdaughter, Teagan McKenzie and husband Alex McKenzie; his grandchildren, Holdyn Norton and Samuel McKenzie; his brother, Brian Norton and wife Melissa Norton of California; his nephew, Brandon Norton; his niece, Allison Norton; and many extended family members and friends. He is also remembered by Renee Waterman, the mother of his son, Trevor.
His family takes comfort in knowing that his faith has become sight and that he is now in Heaven, in the presence of Jesus Christ, his Savior.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 11th, 2026, at New Life Center, 1701 E 22nd St, Hays, Kansas.
Anyone wishing to share photos to be displayed at the memorial service is welcome to send them to nortonmemorial@gmail.com
Expressions of sympathy, including flowers and memorial gifts, may be sent to: Vicky Norton, 213 E 4th Street, Hays, KS 67601