Norman Curtis Paulson, age 80, passed away on December 28, 2025. Doing what he loved, sitting by the pool with a drink in hand. Norm was born September 7, 1945 in Muskegon, MI to William and Dorothy Paulson. He grew up in Adrian MI where he graduated from Adrian High School class of 1963. After high school he did a stint at Eastern Michigan University while working at Ford Motor Co when he was drafted by the Army. Norm was stationed in Germany during the Vietnm era. He returned home in 1968 and was honorably discharged in 1972. In 1985 Norm left Michigan to pursue his career in scrap metal recycling. For over 30 years he was the VP and General Manager of the AutoShred of Louisiana and Monroe Iron and Metal. Norm loved fast cars, horse racing, bitching about University of Michigan and Detroit Lions football, having a drink sitting by the pool or with his buddies at the bar, but most of all he so dearly loved his grandchildren. He would attend all their school or sporting events, (unless it was cold outside). He told many stories about his life, sometimes embellished, but you couldn’t hide the pride in his eyes when he spoke about his kids or grandkids accomplishments. Norm was preceded in death by William Paulson, father; Dorothy Cope Paulson, mother; Bonnie Murphy, sister; and Laurie Paulson, sister. Norm is survived by his son, Tradd Paulson of Adrian, MI; daughter, Hilary Johnston of Monroe, LA. His brothers William Bill Paulson (Barb); Thomas Tom Paulson (Candy); Paul Pepper Paulson; sister Marian Lynette Loffing; His beloved granddaughters, Amaris Paulson (Brittney), Abigail Paulson, Anna Claire Paulson (Carson), Alison Paulson and Harley The Golden Child Johnston; his only grandson Beckett Johnston. A memorial gathering will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI. A Celebration will follow at the Adrian American Legion, 904 N. Main Street, Adrian, MI. www.PurseFuneralHome.com
Norm’s smile, laugh, generosity for others and love for his family will be dearly missed by all.
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