Norman Lee Brents Sr. was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 13, 1933, to the late Charles & Hazel Brents, Sr.  His purpose was fulfilled, and he was called home by God on May 14, 2025, at the age of 91.

Norman was a true believer in God and trusted him daily. He carried the scriptures in his heart, with the clearest expression of his faith being how he cared for his family throughout his life.

Norman had a close relationship with his siblings, but had a special kinship with his brothers. The brothers loved playing pranks on each other, playing basketball together, and encouraged each other scholastically. Norman graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1952, enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953, served until 1957, and started his studies at Central State University in 1959, after resourcefully taking advantage of GI bill scholarships.

Central State University was also the backdrop for the start of his love story. A story that resulted in 59 years of marital bliss, with his wife Sylvia. He enthusiastically drove from Indianapolis, IN to Piqua OH for over a year, purchased a home in Springfield after he asked for her hand in marriage, then officially moved to Springfield, after they were married in August of 1965.

Norman was a devoted leader in his household who supported his family by working at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Though he enjoyed his job, he was thrilled to retire in 1995 to spend more time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Hazel Brents; siblings, Charles Brentz Jr. (Betty), Margret Hall (Pythian), Frederick Brents (Audrey), Donald Brents (Delores, Sandy Karen) and Marilyn Clemmons (James).

Norman leaves many to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Sylvia; beloved children, Cheryl Turner (Michale Lee Turner Sr), Sabirah Muhammad and Norman Lee Brents Jr.; grandchildren, Arriane Scott (Jonathan Scott), Whitney Brents, Jahari Muhammad, Mashaya Brents, Raven Brents, Joshua Muhammad and Treasure Brents; great grandchildren, Nala  Royalty Brents and Iceland Jade Brents; nephews, Bruce Brentz, Dwight Brentz, Larry Hall, Melvin Hall, Mark Brents, Gregory Brents, Kevin Brents and David Brents, nieces;  Sheila Brentz, Joyce Brentz, Lisa Brentz, Myrna Brents, Jeani Brents, Lainey Brents, Leslie, Candy, Julie, Crystal, Kelli, Monica and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation is Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 12 noon until the time of service at 1 p.m. in the Robert C. Henry Funeral Home.  Burial will be Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 12 noon in Rose Hill Burial Park with military honors.