Norman Shade

Norman "Mike" Shade, age 70, passed away on April 29th, 2025 at his residence in Nineveh, Indiana. Mike grew up in Kent, OH and was the son of Pete and Sandra Shade. Mr. Shade is survived by his four sons: Michael (Melissa) Shade, Travis (Robyn) Shade, Matthew Shade, and Austin Slattery. He was also a grandfather to Braydon, Kirsten, Hudson, Harlow, and Faron.

Mike is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War, where he earned several medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Emirate of Kuwait). Mike's 20 plus years of service included assignments with famed units such as the 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightening) and the 101st Long Range Surveillance Detachment (LRSD). Post conventional Army service, Mike successfully passed the Special Forces Qualification Course, earning his Green Beret. Mike served in 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) as well as retiring from 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). In addition to the Persian Gulf War, Mike participated in numerous deployments across the world in support of Joint Combine Exchange Training exercises, leveraging his vast knowledge as a Special Forces Weapons Specialist prior to becoming an Operational Detachment Alpha Team Sergeant at the rank of Master Sergeant. His awards included the Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Parachutist Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Static-Line Jump Master Badge, Special Forces Tab, Army Accommodation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct silver clasp with 2 loops, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral device 3, Special Forces Qualification Course, Special Forces Weapons Course, and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape.

The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Special Forces Regiment never left him, as he continued to serve his community after retirement in the capacity as a police officer in the small town of Nashville, IN. His passions included riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles, driving his 4x4 truck, as well as his sports car.

Services will be held Friday, May 9th, 2025 at 1PM at Crown Hill National Cemetery Columbarium Annex. Mike's family and close friends invite all who knew him to attend and celebrate his legacy of service and strength.