Jasper, Norman Joshua

Norman Joshua Jasper

April 18, 2024

His life started humbly, born in the town of Shipman, Illinois with a population of only 250 people. Norman grew up during the Great Depression and lived his life on the honesty of a handshake and a smile being sufficient for all professional dealings. His favorite saying, ” Good people are like cream. They always rise to the top.”

Norman was successful with all the sports available to him. After graduating high school, he earned his four-year degree from Illinois State University. His major in physical fitness with a minor in history made him a valuable selection for Officer Candidate School (OCS) with the United States Marine Corps.

Norman volunteered for active duty in the Vietnam War. His fondest memory was as Kilo Company Commander, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines on Hill 861, Khe Sanh, Vietnam. His less than 400 men were up against a North Vietnamese Regiment of 1000 soldiers. This time is called “The Siege” of Vietnam, where boots on the ground Marines were hit by heavy bombing and machine gun artillery fire. Norman Jasper was wounded in combat on January 21,1968; along with 25 of his fellow Marines. On that date despite the irreconcilable odds, there were only 10 casualties of Kilo Company, 26th Marines. His combat wounds earned Norman Jasper a Purple Heart medal with 2 stars, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold star, and later was awarded The Bronze Star with Combat V.

He is survived by his sister, Lorraine and husband, Galen, who are 30 plus year members of Thomas Road Baptist Church. He has a daughter, Julie.