Norman Sills

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Norman Leroy Sills, 95 of Galena, Kansas, passed away from this life and entered the gates of Heaven on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at his home. Born on March 9th, 1931, in Quapaw, Oklahoma to Leroy Wilford Sills and Theadus (Potter) Sills. Norman grew up in Quapaw, Oklahoma and attended local schools there.

Norman is survived by his children Russ Sills and wife Gina Sills, daughter Cheryl Schooler and husband Rick Schooler, Grandchildren Melissa Prince, (John), Pamela Hunt, Heather Roberts (JW), Jesse Roberts, Josh Roberts, Cody Platner (Alyson), 11 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren. Along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Mary (Lamb) Sills, his parents Leroy and Theadus (Potter) Sills, his sister Virgie Sills and his grandson David Brewer.

Norman had a vibrant personality, and was fun, caring, and quick witted. He loved his family with all his heart and passed along his advice, his caring ways, his funny stories, and most of all his love to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Norman loved baseball and softball. He coached Little League, and American Legion baseball teams for many years in Baxter Springs, Kansas. His son Russ Sills played for his dad for many years as a pitcher in both Little League and American Legion baseball in Baxter springs, Kansas and was very proud of his dad. Norman followed his granddaughter Pamela (Brewer) Hunt in HS and College Softball at MSSU. He never missed a game. He also followed his great granddaughter Kady Hunt in Travel Softball with Top Gun teams and her HS softball at Carl Junction, MO. He loved every game and was very proud of "his" players #1 and #8. He followed all his grandchildren's sports and loved it.

Norman worked at McCartney Manufacturing now known as Shape in Baxter Springs as a machinist for 50 years. He also had a Television business in Baxter and worked on many TV’s and enjoyed all his customers and made many lifelong friends.

Norman enjoyed fishing, bird hunting, sports of all kinds and was an avid University of Arkansas football fan. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a Christian and attended Tennessee Prairie Church Galena, Kansas all of his life.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Tennessee Prairie Church. Pastor Geoff Buffalo will officiate. Burial will follow in the Baxter Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service are John England, Cody Platner, Richard Lamb, Terry Roberts, Chase Hunt, and Kevin Fanning. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Rick Schooler, and Ken Outt. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital in care of Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.