Msgt. Norman Keith Funk, Usaf (Ret.)

The courageous Vietnam and Korean War veteran, MSgt. Norman Keith Funk, USAF (Ret.) passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on Monday, March 28, 2022.

Norman was born to the late Albert and Ruth Julia Ross Funk on April 2, 1928, in Sullivan, Ohio. Shortly after high school graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and proudly served his country as an Aircraft Mechanic. A Bronze Star Medal recipient, Norman was a true hero and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant after 24-plus years of service. Airplanes were his world and he was a Mechanic’s mechanic. Norman continued to serve as an Aircraft Mechanic throughout his life and even earned the Charles Taylor Award after 50 years. The fair-minded, opinionated, and generous Norman was a mentor to many, especially to his co-workers.

He spent his golden years traveling with his wife, Patricia, and their groups of friends. Norman also liked doing puzzles and spending time with his family, especially the grand and great-grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Papa.” Of the Lutheran faith, he was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Warner Robins. Norman’s dedication to God, his family, and his country has left an irreplaceable impact on many and the sacrifices he made for his country will never be forgotten.

In addition to his parents, Norman was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Patricia Ann Byrd Funk; daughter, Norma Kay Sorensen; son-in-law, Ed Abbott; and siblings, Dean Funk, Dale Funk, Carl Funk, and James and Emmons Funk.

Left to honor his memory are his children, Julia Lee Abbott of Kathleen; and Kenneth Emory Funk (Terrie) of Warner Robins; seven grandchildren, Keith Misak (Shannon), Gene Misak (Jennifer), Kimberly Sorenson, Christie Abbott, Todd Abbott (Erica), Brandi Matsanges (Nick), and Stephen Funk; great-grandchildren, Emily Misak, Charlotte Misak, Isabella Misak, Emma Misak, Vincent Abbott, Angeline Abbott, Kaycee Noveli, Brenton Funk, Taylor Funk, Maudi Romonser-Griffis; and one great great-grandchild, Yevani Romonser Griffis.

A memorial gathering will be Monday, April 4, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A memorial service will immediately follow at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Afterward, MSgt. Norman Keith Funk, USAF (Ret.) will be inurned in Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

Learn about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.