October 30, 1937 - February 12, 2026
Norman Robert Way received his wings at the age of 88 years old on February 12, 2026. He was known to most friends as Norm or Bob. Norman was born October 30, 1937, in Honolulu, HI to Betty May Knowlton. They returned to California where he attended Stockton schools graduating from Stockton College. He enlisted in the United States Navy as an Aviation Maintenance Electrician on the U.S.S. Hornet (CVA-12) aircraft carrier returning to Pearl Harbor, HI. He and the U.S.S. Hornet served admirably during the Korean war. On November 22, 1957, he married Gretchen Ann Holt in Stockton. They have two daughters, Beth and Susan. Upon discharge from the U.S. Navy, Norman joined the City of Stockton Fire Department in 1959. He served honorably for 34 years. During his career as a firefighter, he attended San Joaquin Delta College earning his Associate of Arts degree in fire science. He always had a fascination with airplanes and flying as a young man. Also tinkering and building things. He got his pilot & instructors license. With the help of a friend, he built his first biplane for aerobatic competitions. He continued to build, fly, teach and share his passion for flying with family & friends. Willing to take you for a ride anytime! August 1979, Norman took first place in the intermediate category of the International Aerobatic Competition in Fond du lac, WI. On January 27,1987, he married Constance Clare Kaiser in Clark, Nevada. He retired as a Captain for the City of Stockton Fire Department in 1994. Norman & Connie moved to Manteca on an almond orchard, where they grew almonds for Blue Diamond. He was a good pet dad to his dogs & cats. His pride & joy was completing his third biplane, “Magic” which he used to soared to new heights! Not only built for aerobatics but he was at the front of the pack when it came to racing! Norman competed in twenty annual National Championship Air Races in Reno. Placing second or third in the Biplane Gold Class race each year!
Norman- Go Fast, Turn Left!
Norman was preceded in death by his mother Betty Knowlton Koster, stepfathers, Elton Inman Way, and Marvin Koster, his first wife Gretchen Smith and his stepson Patrick Murray.
He is survived by his loving wife, Constance Way, his stepbrother Elton Inman Way, Jr. (Joe), his daughters, Beth Way and Susan (Tim) Shanahan, and stepson John Murray and his three boys Francis, Jack & Charlie.
Memorial contributions can be made to:
Stockton Firefighter’s Relief Association, P.O. Box 691434, Stockton, CA 95269.
Or Veterans Service Organization
SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Way family.
Please leave your condolences below.