Kenneth R. Norris

Kenneth R. Norris, 79, of Springfield, died at 9:20 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2007 at Heritage Manor. Kenneth was born August 4, 1927 in Bloomington, IL, the son of Edward and Josephine Clifford Norris. He married Patricia K. Parkison on November 25, 1950 at Blessed Sacrament; she preceded him in death in 1982. Kenneth was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during WWII where he received the Victory Medal and American Area Campaign Medal. He was a 1945 graduate of Cathedral Boys High School and received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Sangamon State University (now UIS). Kenneth worked as a tool & dye maker for Sangamo Electric for over 20 years and then worked for Dickey-john, retiring after several years of service. Kenneth was very devoted to his family and his faith. He was a member of Church of the Little Flower and of the Springfield Art Association. He also enjoyed woodworking, painting and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. He was also preceded in death by his brother: John Norris and three sisters: Marilyn Brown, Margaret Treat and Bernadine Norris. He is survived by three sons: Mike (wife, Marsha) and Patrick (wife, Shelley) both of Springfield and Tim (wife, Lynn) of Culver City, CA; three grandchildren: Kristy, Scott and Kelly; one great-grandson: Mikey; four sisters: Kathleen VanLeer, Mary Jo Knudson, Dorothy Cox and Patricia Hartman all of Springfield; one brother: Jim (wife, Joan) of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 23, 2007 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. There will be a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Ceremonies will be at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Adlai Stevenson Dr., Springfield with Fr. Chuck Edwards, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will provide military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to: Church of the Little Flower, 800 Adlai Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL 62703.