Don Carlos Norton, 84, of Ames, died Wednesday, April 18, of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) at Rolling Green Village in Nevada. The body has been cremated, and a private family ceremony is planned.

Don, son of Gideon and Eva Norton, was born May 22, 1922, in Toledo, Ohio. He grew up in Toledo and attended the University of Toledo after graduating from high school. His college education was put on hold while he served his country in World War II. He performed three years of military service in the U.S. Army, where he was part of the 411 Regiment in the 103 Infantry Division. After the war, he returned to college and received a bachelor of science degree in plant pathology from the University of Toledo in 1947. He continued his education and later received a doctorate in plant pathology from the Ohio State University in 1950. After graduation, he joined the faculty at Texas A&M University in the Department of Plant Physiology and Pathology. He remained at Texas A&M University through 1958. He married Joanne Parker (whom he had met while attending the Ohio State University) Aug. 6, 1952, in Columbus, Ohio.

He joined the faculty at Iowa State University in 1959 as a plant pathologist. He specialized in the study of corn nematodes. During his tenure in the profession, he served for six years as the editor of the Journal of Plant Disease. He also served for three years as the treasurer for the Society of Nematologists and became a Fellow of that society in 1989 as recognition for his outstanding contributions in nematology. He retired as professor emeritus in plant pathology in 1989.

He enjoyed hiking, playing tennis, playing the piano and listening to folk and classical music. He was an avid conservationist and environmentalist who enjoyed nature and the wilderness. He was particularly fond of the Appalachian and Adirondack Mountains. As a young man, he spent a considerable amount of time hiking in those mountains, where he was so impressed with their beauty that he was drawn back there repeatedly later in life.

He is survived by three children, Glenn Norton (wife, Paula), of Ames, Wayne Norton (wife, Debi), of Wickenburg, Ariz., and Carol Norton (husband, Steven Madden), of Burlington, Vt. He also is survived by three grandchildren, David and Kevin Norton, of Ames, and Elizabeth Madden, of Burlington, Vt.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joanne Norton; and one daughter, Shirley Norton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Story County Conservation Board.

Adams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.