Martin John Norris

Norris, Martin John was called from the arms of his family to those of his heavenly Father on October 30, 2020. Born in Chicago in 1928, Marty grew up at Maryville Academy in Chicago, attended Quigley minor seminary and was graduated from Loyola University in 1954.

Married in 1957 to the love of his life Barbara Ann Shaughnessy, also a Maryville Academy alumna, they built their life together in Chicago, then Detroit and finally Dallas, making lifelong friends along the way. After a distinguished 47-year career in the distilled spirits industry, Marty retired to his original vocation: service to Holy Mother Church. Marty spent his 24 retirement years supporting Catholic education through his work with St. Anthony in South Dallas and his tireless devotion to his own St. Bernard of Clairvaux, serving on the school board until just weeks before his death. He spent many years supporting the Catholic Foundation in the Diocese of Dallas.

Marty was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his parents Martin John Norris and Madeleine (O’Connor) Norris and his sister Marianne (Norris) Campbell. Marty is survived by his children Jeanmarie Craven (Gary), Carol Hasty (Wayne), Marikay Evans (Mark), Sean Norris (Lisa), Tim Norris (Christina), and Greg Campbell (Evelyn), as well as his 16 grandchildren of whom he was most proud. He is also survived by brothers Thomas, Gerald and John Norris, and sister Theresa Kwiatowski. Pallbearers are Sam Craven, Kyle Craven, Matthew Craven, Connor Evans, Gabriel Norris and William Norris. Marty was truly a man for others. He was one of the good guys.

Rosary at 6 PM, Thursday, November 5 at Sparkman/Crane funeral home 10501 Garland Rd., Dallas, Tx. The funeral Mass will be celebrated by his dear friend Fr. Gaston Giancinti, IVE at 11am, Friday, November 6, 2020 at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic School scholarship fund, 1420 Old Gate Ln., Dallas, TX 75218.