John Delven Norman

John Delven Norman, 56, of Carthage, IL, passed away at 6:00 AM on
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at home, after a short time on hospice. He
was born on May 16, 1969, in Burlington, IA, the son of Ronnie Renee and
Judith Ann (Hays) Norman. On July 21, 1995, he married Kristin Snyder at
Grace Bible Church in Dallas City, IL.
John attended Union High School and then went on to attend Western
Illinois University in Macomb, IL, where he graduated with a degree in
history. While there, John played trumpet for the WIU Marching
Leatherneck Band.
A long-time, over-the-road truck driver, John was dedicated to his work. He
learned from and started out team driving with his dad at Vermillion
Brothers in Keokuk, IA. He had most recently been employed by Sharkey
Transportation out of Quincy, IL. When his hearing loss got to the point of
requiring a hearing exemption in order to retain his CDL, John was
transferred to Formad Warehouse in Fort Madison, IA, where he primarily
operated a forklift and drove, locally, on occasion.
Over the course of his life, John enjoyed collecting and reading classic
literature, collecting train memorabilia, fishing, playing the piano, and
watching Star Wars and Star Trek, as well as football. Some of his fondest
memories include those where he and his family attended the St. Louis
Rams training camps held on the campus of Western Illinois University.
While John was not a member of a local church, he grew up in the church
and had attended church into adulthood. He would tell you that he didn't
always live the Christian life, but that he enjoyed reading and studying the
Bible. In his last days, he said it was like a wall had come down, his sense
of pride gone. He, most notably, confirmed that Jesus was his Lord and
Savior, and he expressed great sadness for many of his life choices. He
quoted Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the
good of those who love him, who have been called according to his
purpose." He acknowledged that he hadn't always lived this out, but he

made it a goal of his in the end and stated that God was using his illness
for good.
John is survived by his wife, Kristin, of Carthage, IL; a son, Jace Norman
(girlfriend, Sydney Grotts), a daughter, Karli Norman (fiancé, Jay B Ready),
and a daughter, Aneisha Murphy (husband, Jackson), all of Carthage, IL;
his parents, Ron and Judy Norman of Oquawka, IL; two sisters, Becky
(Jim) Ruberg of Burlington, IA, and Cherie Norman of Oquawka, IL; his
mother-in-law, Cinda Snyder of Dallas City, IL; and two brothers-in-law, Kirk
Snyder of Warsaw, IL, and Keith (Brittany) Snyder of Carthage, IL. He is
also survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins; as well as nieces and
nephews.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Carl and Elsie
Norman; his maternal grandparents, Delven and Eula Hays; and his father-
in-law, Don Snyder, as well as by other beloved relatives.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, January 26, 2026, at
Printy Funeral Home in Carthage, IL. A memorial service will be held at
10:00 AM, Tuesday, January 27 th , 2026, at Printy Funeral Home in
Carthage, IL, with burial to follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery, also, in
Carthage. Casual attire is encouraged for both the visitation and the
memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Evangelical Free Church of
Keokuk, Blessing Hospice, HUGS of Hancock County, Blessing
Foundation, or to the family for expenses.
Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.