Perry resident remembered for his service

Longtime Perry resident Donald A. “Don” Norris, 93, passed away Monday. Born and raised in Ohio, Norris was on his way to play professional baseball. The New York Yankees drafted him after high school graduation, but that was put to a halt when he was drafted into the United States Army to serve in World War II. Norris took part in the invasion of Normandy “D-Day.”

American Legion Post 24 Commander Tommy Wood said Norris was a true servant to his country and local community.

“He was our former commander for Post 24 and district commander,” he said. “Don received many medals during his service in the Army. He was a Purple Heart recipient and received two Bronze Stars. You could always count on him to go above and beyond to help his fellow veterans. He also started the annual Veterans Day ceremony that is held in Perry. I will truly miss him.”

After serving in the Army, Norris began working in civil service at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. In 1962, he transferred to Robins Air Force Base and moved to Perry where he lived the rest of his life. Longtime friend Joy Albright said Norris was also a devoted servant to their church, Crossroads United Methodist in Perry.

“My husband, Joseph, and I loved Don and his wife, Florence ‘Flo,’” said Albright. “They were such good people. No matter what, Don was always there to lend a helping hand, especially for our Sunday school class ‘The Searchers.’ He was a part of that for over 30 years.”

Albright said Norris was a very giving person.

“Don was truly the saying, ‘service before self,’” said Albright. “He gave a lot to our church, the American Legion, scholarships and charities. He would even go every week to the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Dublin to spend time with the veterans there. We are going to miss him so much.”

Norris is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Florence E. “Flo” Norris, and his son, Donald A. “Don” Norris Jr.

Left to cherish the memories of Norris are his children, Donna Hairrington (Keiland) and Gerald Norris (Kathy), both of Perry; his grandchildren, Jeff Hairrington (Amy) and Jamie Hairrington (Joy), both of Perry, and Marti Norris Cawthon (David) and Donny Norris (Anna), both of Patterson; 12 great-grandchildren; and his daughter-in-law, Dot Norris of Patterson.

HHJ News