Norman Ray Barden

Norman Ray Barden, 61, of Plymouth passed away at Saint Joseph Health System-Mishawaka on Tuesday April 4, 2023.

Norman was born on April 16, 1961 in Plymouth to the late Robert and Viola (Hostetler) Barden.  

Norman enjoyed cookouts and dinners with the Wright/Oginsky family.

“Stormin’ Norman” had a passion and a gift for building engines.  He worked at Advanced Engines in Lapaz for many years and also enjoyed building engines for race cars while working as a Pit Crew Member at several local racetracks. 

Many might remember Norman from his daily coffee trips to Speedway or his infamous truck with “the wing”.

Norman is survived by his adopted family; Joe Wright and Laura Oginsky (Kaylynn, Kyndra, Karyssa, Mackencie, Savaya), his close friend Casey Dankert and family, his sister Sandra (Wayne) Rough of Walkerton, and his brothers, Larry (Judi) Barden of Evart, MI and Danny (Doris) Barden of Lapaz.  Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Christine Moore, and his brother Duane Barden.

In keeping with his wishes no services will be held however “Norm’s Last Ride”, a celebration of life, will be held on May 13th from 1-5pm at Centennial Park Horse Barn next to the bridge.  If you have a vehicle that Norman worked on throughout the years, come showcase it at “Norm’s Last Ride”.  We will take a drive around Plymouth starting promptly at 1:00pm. Please join us for a lunch and time of remembering following the ride.    

Online condolences to the family may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Home website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.