Norvel Taite, Jr

Norvel Taite Jr, age 80, passed away at 5:21 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on October 9, 1942, in Pensacola, FL, the son of Narvie and Mable Thomas Taite. Both have passed. He married Kyong Ae Kim on September 12, 1978, in Cusseta, GA. She was a very devoted and loving wife during their 44 years of marriage. She survives. 
He is survived by two daughters, Mable Kreps of Macomb, IL, Theresa (Savas) Melidis of DeKalb, IL, and one son, Norvel (Jennifer) Taite III of Kansas City, MO. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Payton & Camryn Kreps, Sophie & Harrison Taite, and Yianni, Dino, and Kosmas Melidis; three sisters, Patricia Boykin, Barbara Johnson, and Gloria Donald; two brothers, Ben Taite and Lawrence Taite; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Bernice Brooks, two brothers, James Taite and Humphrey Taite; one half-sister, Rubbie Lee Salter, and one half-brother, Willie Taite. 
Norvel started his Army military career on April 4, 1966, and retired on December 31, 1992. He served his country for almost 27 years including two (2) tours in Vietnam. During his career, his primary specialty was Airborne Infantry. His many other principal duties included being a security guard, paratrooper, squad leader, section leader, instructor, platoon SGT, Staff Commander, First Sergeant, Operations Sergeant, Recruiter, Interactor & NCOIC ARTBASS, and Principal Drill Instructor. He retired as an E-8 Master Sergeant with the WIU ROTC program as an instructor/recruiter. His many decorations, medals, and badges included the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Gold Recruiter Badge w/3 Sapphire Achievement Stars, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Master Parachute Badge, Expert Qualification Badge M-16 Rifle, Expert Qualification Badge .45 Caliber Pistol, Raider Fleche, Bronze Star Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, and the RVN Wound Medal. After Norvel’s retirement from the military, he accomplished his dream of getting a college degree. He earned his Associates Degree in General Studies from Spoon River College in May 1996. He also went on to work at WIU with the Physical Plant -Building Services Department from February 14, 1995 to December 31, 2011.
Norvel and his family have lived in Macomb, IL for the past 33 years. His family meant everything to him. Everything he did, he did for his family. You could tell how proud he was of his family. He was known to whip out his wallet of pictures and show them to everyone and anyone that would look at them. He was also known for his unwavering sense of humor, smile, contagious laugh, jokes, and many many stories. He loved to fish, watch sports, and just watch tv in general. He enjoyed spending time with his family when he could. 
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 17, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb, IL. Services will be held at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Macomb, IL on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Military rites have been accorded and a 21-gun salute will occur at the end of the funeral. A luncheon will be held at the Macomb Elks Lodge following the funeral. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service and a private burial of cremains will take place at a later time.
Memorials may be made to the Norvel Taite, Jr memorial fund.
You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.

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