Norman E. McAtee

Norman E. McAtee, 59, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Presbyterian St. Lukes Hospital in Denver, Colorado.

Norman was born July 6, 1964 in Pittsburg, Kansas to Michael L. and Phyllis (La Forge) McAtee. As an Air Force brat, he called many places home including New York, California, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, where he graduated in 1982 from Haughton High School in Shreveport.

After graduating, he moved with his family in 1983 to his dad’s final duty station in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There he began working at McDonalds and soon met his future wife, Debra Montoya, as well as lifelong friends. Norman married Debra on March 9, 1985 at the Risen Savior Catholic Church in Albuquerque. That same year they welcomed their first child, Jonathan M. McAtee. Their family was completed in 1987 with the birth of their second child, Jessica L. McAtee. Norman then began working in the telecommunications field in 1989, building cellular towers across the United States. He wore many different hats in this field over the course of 30 years. In his free time, Norman enjoyed making model airplanes, watching auto racing, woodworking, hot air ballooning, reading, and listening to his favorite band, Rush. He especially cherished spending time with his seven grandchildren and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his eighth grandchild this winter.

Norman is survived by his father, Michael L. McAtee of Girard, KS, wife Debra of Albuquerque, NM, son Jonathan (August) of Bulverde, TX, daughter Jessica (Matt) of Rio Rancho, NM, brother Dwayne (Linda) of Wayne, NJ, sister Toni (Rick) of Parsons, KS, and grandchildren Logan, Jax, Lacy, Quinn, Rose, Maddy, Abby, and Greer.
Norman was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis McAtee, and nephew LCPL Christopher S. Adlesperger.

Funeral Services will be held at Citizens Church in Albuquerque, NM, on Thursday, November 16th at 10am following a 9:30am viewing. Burial services will follow at Sandia Memory Garden Cemetery in Albuquerque. The family will host a celebration of life immediately following the services.

In lieu of flowers, monetary gifts are suggested to Citizens Church – Albuquerque via Venmo@citizenchurch-abq (specify Central Campus - Heart for the House fund or Maui Fire Relief Fund) or by mail to:

Citizens Church ATTN: Central Campus - Heart for the House fund or Maui Fire Relief Fund 10500 Copper Ave NE Suite D. Albuquerque, NM 87123