OBITUARY: NORM SIX

  • Norman Hobbs Six possessed a warm smile, and a quiet, humble demeanor. His caring and loving family surrounded him as he passed on Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Stone Pear Pavilion in Chester. He had been in failing health for an extended period.He was part of the Six clans born to Clarence and Roberta Hobbs Six in New Cumberland on February 27, 1933.Norm was the ultimate entrepreneur, from keeping the fire burning at the Washington School House to pallet manufacturing, coal mining, cattle raising, teaching, coaching, real estate, demolition, hotel ownership, scrap yard recycling dealership, and senior Olympics participation. He owned many businesses throughout the years, including Six Recycling and the Travelers Hotel. Also, he dismantled the former Travelers Motel in East Liverpool and rebuilt it as the Riverside Apartments in Chester. He was a dynamic and multi-faceted individual. After graduating from the former Wells High in Newell, where he was part of the 1952 State Basketball Championship team, he went to the University of Iowa on a full athletic scholarship to be a part of the Iowa Hawkeye football team. He graduated with a BA in education, before moving back home to briefly work at Crucible Steel before following his first love, teaching, and coaching football at East Liverpool High School. Sports were always in Norm’s blood, he was an original member of the Chester Old Timers Baseball Team, and a member of the EL YMCA Men’s master’s Basketball Team that played in several national basketball championship tournaments. Norm proudly served his country as a member of the US Army Airborne Division, post-Korean Conflict. The Airborne Command discovered that Norm had played at Iowa, and pulled strings to have him transferred to Airborne so he could be part of the Airborne football team.Norm spent 65 wonderful years with his wife, Joanne Wehner Six, who survives at home. They were married on June 29, 1957. Together they created a legacy of their own, Greg (Cindie) Six of New Cumberland, Brian (Emily) Six of New Cumberland, Steve (Amy) Six of New Cumberland, twins, Frank, and Ray (Angie) Six of Chester, Mary Anne (Jeff) Woofter of Philippi, WV, Kay Six of Chester, and Amy (Mark) Fuller of Newell. One brother, Wayne Six of Newell also survives as do twenty grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. Also, there are many nieces and nephews.Father Bill Matheny and Pastor Dave Willey will celebrate Norm’s life at the Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester on Wednesday, March 29, at 11:00 a.m. Friends are invited to visit with Norm’s family at the funeral home on Tuesday. They will be present from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.His family wishes to thank the management and staff at the Stone Pear Pavilion for their love and support for the family and the excellent care provided to Norm during his time there.