Norman R. Birkhimer, 74, of Mt. Vernon, died at 6:10 p.m. Dec. 29, 1999, at St. Mary’s/Good Samaritan Hospital.

Mr. Birkhimer had worked for the International Shoe Company for 36 years, then later worked as custodian for District No. 80 schools until his retirement.

He was born July 20, 1925, in Highland to Roy and Laura (Oliver) Birkhimer.

He married Ruth Culli Nov. 16, 1946 in Mt. Vernon; she survives.

Services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at Johnston Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon with the Rev. David Milburn officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

In addition to his wife, Ruth Birkhimer of Mt. Vernon, survivors include one daughter, Janet Bays and husband Jim of Mt. Vernon; one granddaughter, Heather Bays of Mt. Vernon; one grandson, Ryan Bays of Mt. Vernon; and two sisters, Helen Dulaney and husband Charles of Edwardsville and Martha Wiggins and husband Bob of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Birkhimer was a member of Bakerville Free Will Baptist Church, and was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home at any time.

Submitted By Misty Flannigan