Norman Ray Estes

Norman R Estes April 4, 1935-February 2, 2016 Norm was born in Bakersfield, CA in Mrs. Friese’s Maternity Home to Orville Ray and Evelyn Ruth Estes. Dad attended Fairfax and Beardsley schools, he graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1953. “Once a Driller always a Driller”. He attended Coalinga Junior College and Bakersfield Junior College where he played football for the Renegades. In 1955 Dad married Betty Lynn Vestal. Their union produced three sons: James, David, and Chris. In 1959 he was drafted into the U.S. Army. His duty station was Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. After his separation from the U.S. Army he returned to Bakersfield and resumed working for Standard Oil. Dad became a Sheriff’s Reserve officer, and law enforcement became Dad’s greatest passion. He started his career in 1965 with the McFarland P.D. and in 1967 was hired by the Kern County Sheriff’s Department. He spent a year and a half at the Mojave Substation. Dad remarried in 1968 to Sandy Darneal and had one more son, Norman Douglas. In 1968 he was transferred to patrol in Bakersfield. He worked the strike lines of the famous UFW Grape Strike in 1973. He was part of a K9 unit, and then served as a Superior Court bailiff, finishing his career in the Civil Division. Dad was the epitome of the motto “To Serve and Protect”. He retired from the department in 1995. Babes Gym was his favorite hangout for over the 40 plus years. At the gym many friendships were forged. He loved USC football and attended many games. You could always hear him at the games, be it B.C., E.B. or youth games by his famous and beloved catchphrase “Put a helmet on em”! Dad loved the family vacations at Bass Lake. Camping, boating and water skiing. His stories of Elmer were a legend. He work for the Kern County Fair, from 2003 through 2011 in Building 2 assisting vendors with their many issues. Dad is survived by his wife of 48 years Sandy, sons James (Vicki), David (Becky), Chris and Norman. Grand children Jason, Scott, Zack, Tiffany, Kristin, Alyssa, Heather, and Breanna. Great-grandchildren Steven, Kiylie, Kallie, Gage, Carlos, and Landon. Extended family Stephanie, Richard, Mark and Nathan, Cameron, Alina & Alyssa. A special extended thank you to dad’s caretaker Teresa Mojica for lovingly caring for dad and supporting our family through his passing. Funeral services will be held Friday Feb. 19th @ 2pm at the National Cemetery in Arvin, CA. Immediately following there will be a celebration of his life in Harvest Hall at the Kern County Fairgrounds. Enter at gate 40 off Ming Ave. You can share thoughts and comments of Dad by going to www.missionfamilymortuary.com

Norman Ray Estes

April 4, 1935 - February 2, 2016

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Norman Ray Estes

April 4, 1935 - February 2, 2016

365 Days of Grief Support

Explore

About Us

Grief & Healing

What We Do

Obituaries

Plan Ahead

Resources

Contact Info