John R. Norris

John R. Norris, 83, of Nashport, died Monday, March 24, 2008 in Kissimmee, Florida. He was born June 23, 1924, in Zanesville, a son of the late Basil and Nellie Mae (Simmons) Norris. He was a graduate of Lash High School. He joined the Army during WWII and served in North Africa, Italy, France and England, during which he was awarded 3 Bronze Stars. He was a member of American Legion Post #29, Masonic Lodge of Amity #5 for over 60 years and the Grand Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons of Ohio. His employment career included work at Sears, Roebuck & Co., Detroit Harvester, Shellman Plastics, Racine Hydraulics and Dana Corporation, from which he retired in 1986. John was a member of the Muskingum United Presbyterian Church. John leaves his wife, Maxine (Roberts) Norris, to whom he was married for over 60 years. John will be missed by his children, Dan and his wife Alecia of Zanesville, Karen and her husband David of Lancaster, Patrick and his wife Holly of Zanesville and Rex of Winslow, Maine. He will also be missed by his grandchildren, Daniel Norris II, Michelle Norris, Sabrina Norris, Kari (Davis) Kern and her husband Jarrod, Kenzi (Davis) Tainow and her husband Mat, Jeremy Norris and Jessie (Norris) Roberts and her husband Levi. His great-grandchildren, Danielle Norris, Jonathan Back, Tyler Norris, Chloe Kern, Courtney Kern and Parker Roberts will miss their great-grandpa as well. Baby Tainow will hear of her loving great-grandpa when she arrives in July. Surviving are brothers, Fred Norris of Zanesville, James Norris of Arizona and Richard Norris of Florida. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Basil Jr., Zane and William; a sister, Beatrice (Norris) Mattey and a great grandson, Davis Kern. Calling hours will be held from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2008 at the Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Ave., Zanesville, where Masonic Lodge services will be held at 5:45 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2008 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Roseville, Ohio. VFW George Selsam Post 1058 will hold full military rites at the graveside.