Ernest "Ernie" B. Norton

Ernest "Ernie" B. Norton, 77, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Saturday Sept. 10, 2016 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Norton, the son of the late Shannon B. and Lola L. Murphy Norton, was born May 5, 1939 in Hayti, Mo. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, where he was also a member of the choir. Mr. Norton will be most remembered as "Ernie the Barber" at L and M Barber Shop in downtown Poplar Bluff, where he worked for over 40 years. He enjoyed visiting with his customers, singing, antique cars, playing golf, gardening and electronics but his most cherished times were being with his family and church friends.

On March 11, 2006, he married Anna Sue Hall VanDover in Eureka Springs, Ark. She survives.

Other survivors include four children: Jeff (Michelle) Norton, Susan Norton Donahue, Laurie Norton Crawford and Ray (Dawn) VanDover; eight grandchildren: Elizabeth and Sarah Norton, J. R. Hayes, Jacob and Molly Crawford, Kyle, Michael and Boone VanDover; three great-grandchildren; Melayna, Kylieann and Thomas VanDover as well as a great-grandchild on the way, Leighton VanDover; three sisters: Sharon Kennedy, Rinthy Cluff and Georgia VanMeter; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends.

A gathering of family and friends will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church with a Celebration of Life following at 1 p.m. Brother Steve Spurgin will officiate and Dr. William Vail will assist.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church Music Ministry, 551 N. Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at