Kenneth Ray Norfleet

Kenneth Ray “Kenny” Norfleet (aka: “The Colonel”), 78, of Middletown, IN, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, IN on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Born on June 16, 1947, in New Castle, IN, Kenny lived a life defined by patriotism, service, generosity, humor, and an unwavering love for his family and community. A proud United States Marine who served from 1968 to 1972, Kenny was forever a Marine. He loved his country fearlessly, his community boundlessly, and considered his children and grandchildren the greatest blessings of his life.

A graduate of Middletown High School and a proud Cossack from the Class of 1965-1966, Kenny cherished lifelong friendships and loved any reason to celebrate. He famously hosted his class reunions and often joked that he was lucky enough to have two class reunions every year.

In 1974, Kenny opened Norfleet Enterprise with the motto, “Where your buck goes further.” A true salesman through and through, he was known not only for selling cars from his lot, but for somehow convincing customers to leave with an entirely different vehicle than the one they originally came to see. His office walls displayed trophies and keepsakes from his many outdoor adventures, reflecting his lifelong love of hunting, nature, and the outdoors.

Kenny found joy in the simple things: long scenic drives (especially on his motorcycle), mowing the lawn on the beautiful 80-acre property he and Jean lovingly restored in 2008, swimming with his children and grandchildren, golfing with friends, and watching films and television programs about the outdoors. Family members especially remember the moments when he would “accidentally” fall into pools while the kids were swimming nearby, usually followed by laughter from everyone around him.

His commitment to service extended far beyond his family. Kenny dedicated countless hours to organizations and causes close to his heart. He was deeply involved with Toys for Tots and proudly helped revive Middletown’s beloved annual Christmas parade, bringing joy to generations of local families.

In 1982, in honor of his dear friend Bill Shockley, Kenny founded the Annual Bill Shockley Memorial Golf Outing. Under his leadership, the event raised nearly one million dollars for cancer research, creating a legacy that will continue to impact lives for generations to come.

Kenny also served his community through the Middletown Fire Department, where he served valiantly, and as an EMT for seven years. He was active in the Conservation Club youth hunting program, served as head of the Middletown Veterans Monument Committee, and was a member of the Henry County Veterans Museum Committee Board of Directors. He was also devoted to the Cossack Gym Foundation, a 22-year member of the Marine Corps League, a 53-year member of the American Legion, and a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Norfleet; his son, Jimmy Ray Norfleet, and Jennifer Lusby of Middletown, IN; and their daughters, Makenna Norfleet, Malia Lusby, and Madison (Lusby) Christoff. Madison and her husband, Desmond Christoff, are the parents of his great-granddaughter, Lylah, all of Middletown, IN.

He is also survived by his son, Craig Ford, and wife Jennifer (Lombard) Ford of Mount Juliet, TN; his daughter, Nancy (Ford) Schieber, and her husband, Otto "Ogge" Schieber, along with their children, Otto Schieber V and Josephine Schieber, of Chicago, IL; and his daughter, Tina Trisler, and her husband, Terry Trisler, of Trabuco Canyon, CA. Tina and Terry’s children include Cory Trisler and Nicole Trisler, parents of his great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Shane, of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; and Jordan Trisler of Scottsdale, AZ.

He is further survived by his sister, Sheryl (Coleman) Jones of Port Charlotte, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eunice and Raymond Norfleet, and his brother, Mike Coleman, of Middletown, IN.

Kenny loved celebrations, laughter, and bringing people together. In keeping with his wishes, his family asks that his funeral not be a time of sorrow alone, but a true celebration of a life extraordinarily well lived.

Though he will be deeply missed, Kenny’s legacy will continue in the countless lives touched by his kindness, the families helped through cancer research, the children who smile each Christmas through Toys for Tots, and the generations of family and friends who will forever carry his stories, humor, and love in their hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a gift of any size to the Bill Shockley Memorial Golf Tournament. All proceeds support cancer research. Checks can be made payable to the Norfleet Open Cancer Fund in memory of Ken Norfleet and Danny Justice and delivered by mail or in person to Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 S. 5th St., Middletown, IN, 47356. Also consider giving a donation to Toys for Tots here, or to the Henry County Veteran's Museum at 260 W. County Road 100 N., New Castle, IN, 47362.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Middletown Church of the Nazarene, located at 698 N. 5th St., Middletown, IN, 47356, with Gunnery Sgt. Tim Glidden and Corporal Charley Soden officiating. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Middletown. You may express condolences or share a memory of Kenny at www.ballardandsons.com.