John R. Norris

John was the beloved husband of Nora Beiswenger and the late Janice J. Norris;

devoted father of Lynne (the late Gene) Springman, John F. Norris, Timothy Paul (Cynthia) Norris, and the late James Robert Norris; loving grandfather of Sherri (Timothy) Schulte, Kimberly (Ron) Reineri, Kelly (Bruce) Willhite, Scott (Tracy) Springman, Kyrie Norris, Lisa Norris, Brenton Norris, Erica (Brendan)Hangauer, Layne Norris, Paul Beiswenger, Liza Lindsey, Leila Hunter, and the late Allen Norris; dear great-grandfather of 20 and great-great grandfather of 10; dear brother of Mary (the late Don) Laughmiller, Carol (the late Buck) Kroeger, Robert Lynn (Patsy) Norris, and the late Jean Grogg, the late Doris (the late Worth) Woolsey, and the late Harrison (the late Kay) Norris; dear stepfather of Lenore (Don) Anderson, Christine (Scott) Berlinger, David (Judy) Nothstine, Mark (Beverly) Beiswenger, Jill (the late Kurt) Hunter, and the late David Wright; dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend to many in his lifetime.

John, "Rich" or "Grandpa Rich" as he was affectionately known to his family and grandkids, was born in Du Quoin Illinois in 1923 to John W. and Blanche M. Norris. He served his country as a United States Marine during World War II in the South Pacific.

John retired as Vice President, Treasurer, and CFO of the National Benevolent Association where he revolutionized the accounting system for 38 homes for children and the aged.

He was a gardener, a music lover, a St. Louis Cardinals fan, and as a young man, tried out for the St. Louis Browns. One of the greatest thrills of his life was seeing Babe Ruth play. He was a talented amateur photographer, and has photos he took from almost every state in the Union.

He was a man of dedicated Christian beliefs which he practiced daily. He was devoted to his family and loved spending time with them. He was a patriot who was proud of his service to our country. We will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, and he will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 15 from 9-11am at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street 63109. A Celebration of John's Life will commence at 11am. John will then be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery where Full Military Honors will be bestowed. Because of COVID, masks must be worn by all who enter the building.

Contributions in John's memory to The National Benevolent Association are greatly appreciated.

Please leave your favorite memory of John for his family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.