Longtime Kimball’s Employee and Local Legend, Passes Away

Vern “June Bug” Norton, a beloved employee at Kimball Appliance and longtime friend of 102.3 FM WGRT, passed away on Saturday, May 25th. 

Starting his journey at Kimball’s in 1952 at the tender age of 13, June Bug quickly became known for his dedication and hard work. Despite his youth, he earned a special permit to drive a delivery truck, impressing local authorities with his skill.

Norton worked his way up from driving for Harvey Kimball to becoming a foreman at Midwest Foundry, and finally, back to his true passion, appliances, where he dedicated 67 years of his career. June Bug also was owner of local businesses “Junior’s Fire Wood” and World of C.B. He cherished classic cars, and proudly served in the U.S. National Guard for six years and the U.S. Army for two years. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Darlene, and his son Andy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell