Norman Atkinson Compton, 1919 - 1996

The Rev. Norman A. Compton, age 77, of Monterey, Virginia, went to be with our Lord and Master on Monday, July 15, 1996. He was born on April 13, 1919, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On September 5, 1940, he married Ann Godshalk. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Dennis Norman Compton and daughter, Diane Melody Compton Bradford, and by four foster children, Rose, Karen, Carl and Jimmy.

Compton was educated at Lower Moreland High School; Eastern Mennonite College in Dayton, Virginia; Duke University in North Carolina; and at George Washington University.

Norman Compton was converted at the age of 32, and was called of God to be a minister at the age of 38. He was a member of Monterey United Methodist Church, Monterey, Virginia. He was appointed to this charge in June 1960 at the age of 41. Other charges he served were: Mt. Crawford, Winchester, Spotsylvania, McDowell, White’s United Methodist Church, Hot Springs, Redwood, and Roanoke. After his retirement from the United Methodist Church on June 11, 1984, he served for 10 years as magistrate in Highland County, Virginia, serving both Highland and Bath County, Virginia.

Funeral services were conducted at Monterey United Methodist Church, Monterey, Virginia, by the Rev. Robert L. Haley, pastor; assisted by the Rev. James G. Holloman, Staunton district superintendent; and by Pastor William R. Fisher, a lifelong friend. Burial was in the Monterey Cemetery, Monterey, Virginia.

Compton selected his favorite hymns to be sung at his service, which were "The Church in the Wildwood," "All Hail the Power of Jesus Name," and "In the Sweet By and By." He selected his favorite passages from Psalm 23, John 14, and Ephesians 2:8 & 9 to be read and expounded upon at his service. The poem, titled "Crossing the Bar" was also read at the service.

The verse: "it is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness" was often reflected in many of Compton’s notes. Compton was a good husband, father, grandfather, foster parent, and friend. He served his Lord, his family, and fellow man in love. He will remain alive in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

- Agnes Compton