Norman Taylor Mull

Norman Taylor Mull, 93, formerly of New Paris, Ohio, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on September 30, 2026.  Born December 26, 1932, to Charles and Ruth Mull, Norman was a man of deep faith who loved his family, believed in hard work, and found great joy in helping others. He lived simply, served faithfully, and cared deeply about leaving things a little better for those who came after him.

Norman proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 with the 298th Transportation Company (Light Truck). He earned the rank of Private First Class in 1954 and received the National Defense Service Medal.

In 1956, Norman met the love of his life, Carolyn Joyce Bright, when he famously “fell over her desk at work.” Six months later, they married at her parents’ home. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage and raised four sons: Daniel, Jim, Rick, and David. Their family and faith were at the center of a life filled with hard work, service, and countless memories on the family farm. 

Norman “No-Till” Mull began farming at 14 and continued into his 70s. A dedicated conservationist, he embraced no-till farming and sought ways to care for the land while improving his farm. His love for agriculture and conservation also shaped his career. He worked for the Preble County Soil Conservation Service and later spent several years as a contractor for the Wayne County Soil Conservation Service Extension Office. 

A visionary with an entrepreneurial spirit, Norman had a lifelong habit of asking, “What if?” and turning ideas into action. Alongside Carolyn, he created Running Springs mini-bike farm and campground, where families, friends, and church groups gathered and made lasting memories. As founder of the Ambassador 4-H Motorcycle Club, he encouraged young people to develop riding skills, responsibility, character, and sportsmanship.

Faith guided Norman throughout his life. He and Carolyn were longtime members of St. Paul United Methodist Church in New Paris, where they worshiped and served together. Following Carolyn’s passing, Norman found a new church home at New Hope Church. He was also a member of The Gideons for nearly 30 years. In 1994, Norman and Carolyn opened the Pathway Rec Center at St. Paul United Methodist Church. For the next 15 years, they provided a Christian environment where young people could enjoy games, friendship, and fellowship. Norman’s greatest reward was seeing former Pathway Kids return as young adults to volunteer and help the next generation. To him, their willingness to give back measured the program’s true impact. Norman and Carolyn also spent more than 20 years supporting the National Trail cross-country team and were honored with induction into the National Trail Hall of Fame.

Above all, Norman was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He listened, offered guidance, encouraged new ideas, and took pride in his family’s accomplishments. His example taught those he loved to think for themselves, accept responsibility, see possibilities, and move forward with faith. His humor, meaningful conversations, and steady encouragement will be deeply missed.

Norman is lovingly remembered by his sons, Daniel (Angela), Jim, and Rick (Shelly); his 12 grandchildren, Nigel (Jadwiga), Amanda (Marc), Alex (Tyler), Kristin (Matt), Ben, Roger (Katie), Leah (Vinny), Keaton, Victoria (Chris), Bethany, Krista (Stephen), and Keith; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends. He is also lovingly remembered by his bonus son, Steve (Sharon) Vanzant, and the Tabi family of Kumasi, Ghana, whose special friendship with Norman and Carolyn spanned many years. Norman was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Carolyn; his son, David; his parents, Charles and Ruth Mull; and his siblings, Helen, Howard, Robert, and Edith.

Norman spent a lifetime planting seeds: in the soil, in his family, and in the lives of others. His legacy lives on in the people he encouraged, the memories he helped create, and the generations who carry forward his faith and spirit of service.

His family finds comfort in knowing that Norman is now home with his Lord and Savior and reunited with Carolyn and the loved ones who went before him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the New Hope Church, 5367 US Route 35, Eaton, Ohio with Pastor Rodney Dunn officiating. Family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Saturday at the church prior to the service. Inurnment will be held at Spring Lawn Cemetery in New Paris, Ohio

Condolences via www.barnesfuneralhome.com