Norman E. Maier, 80, of Thomasboro passed away at 8:27 p.m. Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at his home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 24, 2018 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 100 S Church St., Thomasboro with Father Joel Phelps officiating. Burial will follow in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Thomasboro. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, November 23, at Thomasboro Community Building (TIA Hall), 600 N. Commercial St., Thomasboro.

Norman was born January 3, 1938 in Urbana the son of Joseph and Louise Carl Maier. On January 29, 1959 Norman married the love of his life, Barbara Flessner. In January, they would have celebrated their 60 ^th Anniversary. She survives him.

Along with his wife, Barbara, he is survived by a daughter, Deborah (Scott) Loos of Champaign; three grandchildren, Gregory Durant of Forest Park, Alyssa (Cory) Hansen of Provo, UT, Renee (Jeremy) Vinson of Bloomington; the joy of his life were his three great grandchildren, Asher, Calvin and Millie Hansen of Provo, UT. Also surviving are two step grandchildren, Nicole (Tom) Miller of Arlington Heights; Grant Loos of Urbana; two great grandchildren, Harvey and Lucy Miller of Arlington Heights; and one sister, Corrine Hemrich of Thomasboro.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Brenda K. Maier; and his siblings, Gerald Maier and Marguerite McDonald.

Norman graduated from Rantoul Twp. High School, where he was on the varsity football team. He owned Central Tavern in Thomasboro for many years, during those years he was active in the Eastern Illinois baseball league. Some of his best memories were when he managed the Thomasboro E. I. baseball team; forming lifelong friendships during those years. All his family and friends knew he was an avid Cubs fan.

He owned and ran Oak Grove Campground in Branson, MO from 1982-1990, after which they moved back to Thomasboro. He and Barbara were marketing consultants for Trailer Life (Good Sam) Directory from 1992 to 2000. During these years they traveled all across the United States. He was very proud to be able to say he had traveled in all 50 states. He and his wife, Barbara, enjoyed spending winters in their winter home in Brownsville, TX.

Norman loved nature and being outdoors, especially in dove or deer season. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor. He loved telling a good joke. To be at a party with Norm, was to have a good time.

He was one of the founding members of the Thomasboro Improvement Association in 1965 and remained a member all these years. He served as a volunteer on the Thomasboro Fire Department for many years and was a member of the Rantoul Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church all his life.

Memorials may be made to Thomasboro Fire Department or an organization of the donor's choice. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.