Friday, March 29, 2024

Richard Lee “Dick” Norris – Obituary

Norris Picture 2 001Richard Lee “Dick” Norris, age 90 years, a resident of Paducah, Kentucky and a former resident of Carbondale and Du Quoin, met Jesus in the sky on the way to Heaven.  He departed this life Wednesday evening, April 15, 2015, at 7:30 PM at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Rodger and Angie Norris, in Paducah, Kentucky.

Richard was the younger of two sons.  He was born in Murphysboro, Illinois on November 9, 1924 to Lee S. and Hazel L. (Horn) Norris.  The family moved to Carbondale, where Richard grew up.  He attended Carbondale Community High School until enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1942.  Richard trained in Camp Pendleton, California and served in the Pacific Theater of operation during World War II.  He served in the Fifth Marine Division and was part of the invading forces on Iwo Jima in February 1945.  Richard was on the island at the time of the famous raising of our flag.  He received a Presidential Citation for his commendable service.

Following the war, Richard returned to Carbondale and served for four additional years in the Marine Corps Reserves.  In 1946, Richard began his employment with the Illinois Central Railroad, working with family and friends.

Richard met Ella Christina (Jaco) and the two married on April 14, 1951.  Together, they enjoyed 64 years of marriage.  Richard and Ella had three children; Richard Leland, who died in infancy, Janet Roberta, and Rodger William.  They moved to Elkville, Illinois to raise their family and made many friends there.  Richard retired from the railroad in 1984 after 38 years of service.  He and Ella moved to Du Quoin to retire.  They continued to worship at the Du Quoin Methodist Church and made many new friends and renewed old acquaintances.

In 2007, Richard and Ella moved to Paducah, Kentucky and have lived there since.  They enjoyed living, loving and worshiping with family and friends. Richard and Ella were faithful members of Arcadia United Methodist Church in Paducah.  Richard is fondly remembered for his friendliness and zest for life.  He enjoyed visiting and spending time with family and friends.

Richard is survived by his wife Ella Christina (Jaco) Norris of Paducah; a daughter – Janet (Danny) Eisenhauer of Elkville, and a son – Rodger (Angie) Norris of Paducah, Kentucky; 8 grandchildren – Mandy Eisenhauer Maple and her husband Mark of Springfield, Katie Eisenhauer, Kyle Patterson, Daniel Eisenhauer and Gabrielle Eisenhauer all of Elkville, Justin (Jean) Norris of North Augusta, South Carolina, Ryan Norris of Paducah, Kentucky, Lauren Wolfrom of Paducah, Kentucky, and Dana (Tim) Marcotte of South Bend, Indiana; 7 great grandchildren – Keaton Wolfrom of Paducah, Kentucky, Gracie Maple of Springfield, Patterson and Pemberly Norris both of North Augusta, South Carolina, Josie Patterson of Elkville, & Tyler and Tony Marcotte both of South Bend, Indiana.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his infant son – Richard Leland Norris, and his brother – Charles Norris.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 18, 2015, at 12 Noon at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.  Rev. Ben Boone will officiate.  Burial will be in the Reevesville Cemetery in Johnson County Illinois. Military honors will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 and the United States Marine Corp burial honors detail.

Visitation will be conducted from 10 AM – 12 Noon Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Arcadia United Methodist Church, 261 Lone Oak Road, Paducah, Kentucky 42001 or to the Kentucky Veteran and Patriot Museum, 635 Phillips Drive, Wickliffe, Kentucky 42087.

To share a memory of Richard or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visitwww.baileyfh.com