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Norman Michael Batson, aged 81, died peacefully at his home in Madison this Monday. He was
Norman Michael Batson, aged 81, died peacefully at his home in Madison this Monday. He wassurrounded by loved ones. Norman, better known as “Norm,” “Uncle Bub,” “Daddy,” and “Paw-
Paw,” was born April 29, 1938 in Nashville, Tennessee. He graduated from Father Ryan High
School in 1956 and Vanderbilt University in 1960. Soon after, he met and married his wife of 54
years, Margaret Branham.
Norm worked as an electrical engineer for TVA, Hayes International, Thiokol, and Martin Denver
before accepting a job at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in 1963 under the direction of
Wernher von Braun. He worked at NASA for over 35 years, but he most fondly remembered his
time spent there in the 1960s working on the Apollo missions that eventually landed the first
man on the moon.
During this time, he and Margaret also started a family. While his work accomplishments were
admirable, his dedication to his faith and his family were paramount. The common thread in
every aspect of his life was quiet humility and concern for others. Father of 6, grandfather of 14,
his childlike zest for adventure and ice cream endeared him to his kids, grandkids, and their
friends.
He is predeceased by his wife, Margaret, and his brother, Joe. He is survived by his children
Mike (Nancy), Paul (Jo), Pat (Debbie), Tommy, Greg (Tanya), and Susie (Robert); grandchildren
Zach, Sydney, Avery, Matthew, Will, John, Hayden, Evan, Stella, Jack, Maggie, Jonah, Joshua, and
Lila; sister, Patsy Wrenne, and brother, John.
Visitation will be held at Berryhill Funeral Home Wednesday, May 29th from 6 to 8 pm (Rosary at
7:45pm). The Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, May 30th at St. John the Baptist Catholic
Church at 11 am. Burial immediately following at Maple Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers,
memorial donations can be made to Kindred Hospice, or pay a visit to your local ice cream
parlor.
