BOWLING GREEN, KY - Wilbert Charles Normand, loving husband of Marelle Normand, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2012 at the age of 87.

He was born on July 20, 1924 in New Orleans, La. and spent his childhood years in Gulfport, Ms. where he developed a love for the ocean, beaches, and sailing. He received his B.S. degree from Mississippi State University and his Master and Doctoral degrees in Plant Science from Louisiana State University. He was employed as a professor at LSU until 1970 when he moved to Bowling Green, Ky. to teach at Western Kentucky University where he retired in 1989.

Will, as he was known by family and friends, was a Veteran of WWII, belonged to the Knights of Columbus and was a parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and Fathers of Mercy.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marelle T. Normand and six children; Denise Fournet (Ron) of Denver,Co.; Sheree Hemmen and Duane Normand both of Bowling Green; Patrice Jones of Lexington, Ky.; Mark Normand (Denise), Keith Normand (Tonja) both of Louisiana; 3 grandchildren Michelle Taylor, Adam Taylor, Connor Normand.

He will always be remembered for his adventurous spirit, profound sense of humor, and his strong pursuit of knowledge. He loved his family dearly and taught us the values of love and respect for God, family, and others. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be Friday, February 24 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with Mass and Celebration of Life following at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Interment will be private.

Arrangements are entrusted to J.C. Kirby & Son.

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