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George E. Norris
June 28, 1926–December 13, 2009 |
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| George Everett Norris, husband to Velma Helen (Luke) Norris, and most wonderful Dad to daughter Kathleen "Kathy" Norris Allen (Scott Christopher Allen), and son Randall "Randy" Allen Norris (Teri Thurnau Norris), peacefully passed away December 13, 2009.
Visitation was December 18, 4 - 7 p.m. at Central City Murdoch Funeral Home. Oxford Junction Mayflower Cemetery graveside service was December 19 at 11:00 a.m.
Formerly of Central City for 42 years George "Buster" was born June 28, 1926 in Batavia, Gennesse County, New York to Howard Abraham Norris and Lillian Mae (Putman) Norris, and lived most recently in Kansas City near his son.
George lived fully by helping other people. Volunteering at age 17 for World War II, George served our country in the US Navy for 20 years. He served on numerous ships, including the USS Passumpsic, USS ShangriLa and USNT Tabinta. He served in Japan, Korea, China, Midway, Marshall Islands, the Philippines, New Guinea, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Admiralty Islands, India, Ceylon, Arabia, Guam, Hawaii, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, San Francisco and San Diego. He received a purple heart.
George and Velma married in San Diego, CA July 16, 1959, and moved to Oxford Junction, Iowa in 1963 where George was the Chief of Police before moving to Central City, Iowa to be the Chief of Police. George then worked at Collins Radio/Rockwell for 20 years, including work on communications equipment for the NASA Apollo Space Program, retiring in 1987. He was an I.B.E.W. Chief Steward.
George was very active in his children's lives, becoming a member of the United Methodist Church, and a Mason Rainbow Dad, and received the Grand Cross of Color. He provided and maintained the Central City Community Schools PA (audio) lights, and video system for the theater, gymnasium, and football field as a member of the Sports and Band Boosters.
George helped start the Central City Volunteer Ambulance Service, served over 14 years and spent many hours saving lives. As President twice, he was active locally in the local Kiwanis to improve local businesses and residents, starting the Chuck Wagon Races, and hanging Christmas decorations.
As Kiwanis Iowa-Nebraska Chairman, he received the Outstanding Service Award from the Special Olympics and was the Miracle Children's network District 8 Coordinator. As the American Legion Post Commander for 9 years, he revived the club and was at the center of building the Wapsi Post new Howe building, and led as the Vice Commander of the 2nd District. He was a member of the SAR (Sons of American Revolution).
He helped build Central City Elderly Housing, was a member of the Central City Cable Committee, the Central City Library Board of Directors, and a member of the Linn County Fair Board.
In his spare time, George operated Norris TV and Appliance, selling and servicing TVs, radios, and hi-fi stereos, first from his shop in Oxford Junction and then in Central City.
After retirement, George continued his journey to document more of his family history - including details of the lives of 25,000 members of the Norris families.
George is survived by his wife, children, and sister Virginia (Conrad) Fields of Winter Haven, FL.
The world is a better place due to George Everett Norris.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
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