Tyler M. Normand, age 59, of Frontenac, KS, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, at his home in Frontenac with his wife, Caryn, and children with him. He was born on September 11, 1966, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, the son of Marcel and Helen Rutledge Normand. He received his education at St. Mary's-Colgan Schools and graduated with the Class of 1985. Ty was a remarkable athlete in Colgan football and basketball during his years at Colgan High. He continued his schooling at Pittsburg State University and received his bachelor's degree in business in 1989. While in college, he worked as a meatcutter at Arma's IGA. In 1990, he decided to put his business knowledge to the test by purchasing the old, abandoned Home Bakery in Arma. He spent months repairing and painting with help from family and was able to open for business in late 1990. The Old World, Hard Italian/French bread went well in Arma and southeast Kansas and soon Ty hired more help and business grew.
Ty grew up in a Catholic home and most of his life surrounded the church. He was serving Mass at age 5 and Baptisms and Confirmations were celebrated as well as Lent and Advent prior to the feasts of Christmas and Easter. In 1997, he had a great opportunity for a position at Pittsburg Post Office through the assistance of friends Jack Toschi and Robert Vacca. Ty enjoyed his bakery, but hours and working conditions were factors that caused him to seek a different career. Not long after, a permanent position for postal carriers opened at the Fort Scott Post Office and Ty transferred there. This fortunate opening resulted in 30 years of employment there. He was scheduled to retire this year when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
On June 15, 2007, Ty married Caryn Schmidt of Quapaw, OK and together they built a blended family with their seven children including: Tyler J. Normand (Alex), Joplin, Mo; Montana Cherry, Ozark, Mo; Abby Asauskas (Ryan), Wichita; Shelby Normand, Pittsburg; Jeff McClain (Courtney), Girard; Trey Dawson (Brittany) Miami, OK; and Tyler Dawson, Raleigh, N.C. Seven grandchildren: Echo Marie Normand, Joplin, Mo; David, Theodore, & Elizabeth Asauskas, Wichita; Landen Dawson, Miami, OK; Caden & Alivia, Iola, KS. Ty's dad, Marcel Normand of Frontenac, a sister, Teresa Lobb (Chris) of Lenexa, Ks; a brother, Tim Normand (Lisa) of Pittsburg, KS, & many nieces, nephews, & cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Normand on January 9, 2023.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Frontenac with Fr. Josh Evans as Celebrant. Burial will follow at the Pittsburg Garden of Memories Cemetery. The rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Monday evening, August 10, 2026, at the Bedene Funeral Home at Arma where the family will receive friends until 7:30 P.M. following the rosary. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations in Ty's Honor to the Normand Scholarship for St. Mary's-Colgan students to attend PSU; or Spiritual Masses for Ty. These may be sent or left at the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 East Washington, Box 621, Arma, KS 66712.
