Norman Just Fombelle, 82, died Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018.

He was born Aug. 2, 1936, to Hubert and Lucille (Hayes) Fombelle in Decatur and raised on the family Centennial farm. He graduated from Argenta High School in 1954. On Aug. 6, 1955, he married Virginia “Ginger” Joy Montgomery. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in AgEcon in 1958, and from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1960.

Norman is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ginger; his daughter, Lisa (Alex) Lazarz and their children, Ashley and Alexandra; his son, Michael and his children, Michael Fombelle Jr., Paige (Stojan) Ozegovic, Stojan and Caroline; and his son, Gregory (Maya) and their children, Victoria and Corinne; and his brother, David.

Norman’s legal career began while serving in the U.S. Army JAG Corps from 1960-61. He returned to Decatur in 1961, where he became First Assistant State’s Attorney. He then entered the private practice of law, where he practiced for over 50 years in his Decatur-based law firm. 

Norman was a member of Forsyth United Methodist Church. He served two terms as President of the Decatur Club, was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Decatur Bar Association, and he served on the Macon County Fair Board.