Norman L. Swain Sr.

Norman L. Swain Sr, age 88, of Saint Helen, passed away on Thursday April 16, 2026 at home with his loving family by his side.

Norman was born on January 15, 1938 in Flint, Michigan to Lester and Martha (Perowitz) Swain. Growing up, he started his first job as a paperboy. He graduated from high school in 1957. Norman was married on October 23, 1962 in Clio, Michigan to Mary-Ellen Johnson. The couple moved from Flushing to Houghton Lake in 1972. Norman worked as a carpenter here in Houghton Lake until they moved to St. Helen in 1976. He got into the logging business and decided to open his own company known as Swain & Sons which he went on to work for 30 more years. Norman enjoyed having fun with the grandkids, camping in the motel, walking, biking, and loved to talk about anything and everything, especially history.

Surviving Norman Swain are his son, David Humble; son, Kevin Humble; daughter, Becky (Don) Beckwith, and son, Norman (Rose) Swain Jr; seven grandchildren, RJ, Donnie, Tim, Tasha, Chase, Brandon and Zach; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three brothers, George (Marilyn) Blackney, Chuck (Debbie) Blackney, and John Blackney; and several nieces and nephews. Norman was preceded in death by wife of 52 years, Mary-Ellen; his parents; step-father, George Blackney; son, Robert Humble; and 4 siblings, Gerald, Phyllis, Marlene, and Martha. 

A Graveside Service for Norman L Swain will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Maple Valley Cemetery with Mr. Barry Brown officiating. Memorial contributions in memory of Norman are asked to be directed to the family. Christler Funeral Home, Prudenville Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com 

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