Norman Bannow, 73, of Dowagiac, passed away at 9:26 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, Dowagiac.

His family received friends on Monday, Aug. 24, from noon until 2 p.m. at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home, Dowagiac, where his funeral service was held at 2 p.m. led by former Sheriff Paul Parrish.

He was laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery following the services.

Norman’s life began on June 18, 1936, in Dailey, the son of Albert and Lillian (Palzer) Bannow. He graduated from Dowagiac Central High School in 1955.

Norman served his country in the Michigan National Guard for nine years.

He was united in marriage to Carolyn Mott on April 7, 1956, in Dowagiac.

Norman was a deputy sheriff and detective with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office for 22 years and worked for the department for another four years part-time.

He was an excellent woodworker, making much of the furniture in the family home.

Norm was a member of the wood carvers club and recently was working on hand-carved canes.

His greatest joy was his family, which includes: his wife of 53 years, Carolyn Bannow of Dowagiac; his children, Patricia Mellen of Edwardsburg, David (Merrilyn) Bannow of Jones and Thomas (Lori) Bannow of Dowagiac; 10 grandchildren, Heather Matthews, Douglas Matthews, Amber Wiler, Amanda Mellen, Scott Mellen, Joshua Bannow, Kyle Bannow, Justin Bannow, Caitlin Bannow and Kelsey Bannow; great-grandchildren, Brandon Hatch, Jared Hatch, Lauryn Hatch and Douglas Matthews Jr.; mother-in-law, Vivian Mott of Dowagiac; sister, Sherry Wade of Dowagiac; and brother, Dennis (Colleen “Beanie” ) Bannow of Dowagiac.

Norman is preceded in death by two brothers, Wilfred and Richard Bannow.

Memorial donations in his name may be directed to the donor’s choice.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Norman at www.mclauchlin-clark.com.

Arrangements were by at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home, Dowagiac.