Harold L Norman Sr. aka Hal Jon Norman 99, passed away July 12, 2011.
Hal Jon was born August 27, 1911 in Wichita, KS. Hal was a cowboy at heart and grew up loving horses, often riding his horse Starlight in frontier shows in Wichita in the early 50's. He also performed in the Medicine Lodge Indian Peace Treaty Pageant in 1950. Even though he lost his right leg in a train accident at age 19, no one ever suspected he was an amputee.
Hal was a radio announcer, host for many radio shows and acted in radio plays for KFH and KFBI (now KFDI) in Wichita from the late 30's to the early 50's. He was well known in Wichita during that time period. In 1954 he moved to Oklahoma City and was the first TV personality to ride his horse as he introduced old Western movies and during commercial breaks. He later moved to Tulsa and worked in radio and TV. However his real love was stage and screen. He moved to Hollywood in 1957 and became an actor known as Hal Jon Norman until he retired in 1990. He performed in 36 movies, TV shows and stage plays during his career. He was nicknamed Chief by his Hollywood friends because he was cast many times as an Indian. He performed with Estelle Parsons on stage and worked with almost all of the Western stars of the 50's to late 80's. He performed on Bonanza, Rifleman, Rawhide, Wagon Train, High Chaparral and many other westerns and other TV shows. He often rode a horse and never was held back due to being an amputee.
His daughter Patsy (Norman) Mckinney died in 2010.
He has two living children, Rosalie (Norman) Ohlson living in California and his son Harold L Norman JR, retired Wichita Police Captain living in San Antonio and seven grandchildren.
A private service will be held at Old Mission/Wichita Park Mortuary, 21st and Hillside, 4pm Friday July 15, 2011.