John N. Norwood Jr. 70 of Urbana died at 12:44 p.m. Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 4, 2008 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana, Major John Turner officiating. Burial will be in the Danville National Cemetery, Danville. Military graveside services will be conducted by the VFW, Post 5520. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 3, 2008 at the funeral home.

Mr. Norwood was born on July 14, 1937 in Monticello, IL the son of John N. Norwood Sr. and Louise Milligan. He married Judith Johnston on June 30, 1957 in Champaign, she survives.

Also surviving are his step-mother; Julie Norwood of Urbana, two sons; James Wesley (Laurie) Norwood and Jack Walton Norwood both of Urbana, three daughters; Joni (Tom) Johnston of Danville, Janet (Matthew) Tucker of Omaha, NE, and Jill (Michael) Odom of Urbana, one brother; Chester V. Norwood, one step-sister; Nancy Schneider of Champaign, two sister-in-laws; N. Jolane Nelson of Urbana, and Joyce (Richard) Meents of Champaign, eighteen grandchildren; Justin Michael Norwood of Carlinville, Julie Christine Norwood of Decatur, GA, Jodi Kay Rowe if Georgetown, Johnna Noelle Johnston and Jayme Maxine Johnston both of Danville, Michael James Norwood and Monica Lynn Norwood both of Urbana, Jennifer Marie Varney of Eureka, Ca, Joshua Edward Varney of Fort Benning, GA, Jeremy Lee Varney of Grand Forks, N.D., Matthew Chase Odom, Jacob Andrew Odom, Mary Katherine Odom all of Urbana, Suzanna Marie Norwood and Analieza Marie Norwood, Kristina Nicole Norwood all of Wylie , TX, and Lowell Wesley Norwood and Jack Walton Norwood Jr. both of Urbana.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter; Jacqueline Grace Johnston and in-laws; John and Maxine Johnston.

Mr. Norwood was in construction before entering the service, but he is best known for, and is most proud of his military service. After a brief tour in the Navy, he devoted his military career to the U.S. Army Special Forces, retiring in 1979 as a Green Beret. He served his country with honor and distinction, completing 7 tours of duty in Vietnam, earning Master Parachutist Wings in 6 different counties, and receiving numerous military honors from the United States and foreign governments.

He was an active member in The Salvation Army in Champaign. He was also a lifetime member of VFW Post 630 in Urbana, Disabled American Veterans, the Decade Association of Fayetteville, NC and Boys Town.

Mr. Norwood was a gifted writer and talented artist. He contributed hundreds of letters in local newspapers, and his woodworking, sculptures, drawings and paintings can be seen in various locations throughout Champaign-Urbana,.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.