Dec. 27, 1947 – Jul. 25, 2026
Ira "Norman" Eslava, 78, of Foley, Alabama, passed away at his home on Jul. 25, 2026.
Born on Dec. 27, 1947, in Foley, Alabama, to Almeda and Ira Nicholas Eslava, Norman grew up in Magnolia Springs, Alabama.
Norman proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded in combat and awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action.
Following his military service, Norman became a Merchant Mariner, a career that took him around the world. He later continued his service to his country as a civil service engineer at Naval Air Station Pensacola, where he worked until his retirement.
Norman was known for his humor, strength, loyalty, and generosity. He loved all things outdoors, anything involving plants, hunting, watching Westerns, and, above all, his family. Norman is survived by his beloved wife, Edith; his son, Bryan, and daughter-in-law, Jessica; his stepson, Jacob; his grandchildren, Hunter, Connor, Logan, Jordyn, and Eva; his sister, Margie; and other family members and friends who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his son, Lance; his parents, Almeda and Ira Nicholas Eslava; and his siblings, Celina, Judy, and Clifton.
A funeral service was held on Thur., Jul. 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Magnolia Springs, Alabama. Visitation began at 10:00 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorial donations be made in Norman's honor to Vietnam Veterans of America or Disabled American Veterans, in recognition of the veterans and their families who continue to carry the sacrifices of military service.
