Robert L. Norris Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Robert L. “Bob” Norris, age 88, of Marion, IL, passed away peacefully at 4:15 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2015, in the Carrier Mills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Carrier Mills, IL. He was born on Saturday, February 26, 1927 in Canadian, Texas the son of Robert and Elise (Studer) Norris. Bob was united in marriage to Mary Katherine Smith on Sunday, December 12, 1948 in Siloam Springs, AR and together they have shared over sixty-six years of marriage. He answered the call of the nation by enlisting into the United States Navy during World War II. After his period of faithful service he was honorably discharged with the rank of Ship’s Cook 3rd class. Bob was a graduate of Siloam High School in Siloam, AR and a graduate of Ouachita University in Arkadelphia, AR. Following graduation he was a coach and teacher in Paris and Waldron, AR. Following his years of teaching he was employed by Phillip 66 Oil Company in St. Louis, MO and Paducah, KY for five years before moving in 1961 to Mt. Vernon, IL where he and Mary owned and operated Razorback Phillips 66 Oil Company until their retirement in 1976. Following retirement they moved to Eagle Point Bay on the Lake of Egypt where he enjoyed playing golf and fishing. He was a charter member of the Lake of Egypt Christian Church and was actively involved with the church for many years. After deciding to leave the lake they moved to Marion, IL in 2001. He is survived by his wife, Mary K. Norris of Marion, IL; son, Clint Robert Norris of Marion, IL; sister, Louise E. Grass of Brawley, CA; other extended family members and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and three brothers. Arrangements for Robert L. “Bob” Norris were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL. The funeral service was Friday, September 25, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Leroy Waggoner presiding at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home in Marion, IL. There was no public visitation, family and friends were asked to gather at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. for the service. The prelude and postlude musical selections presented were “How Great Thou Art” and “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” by pianist Violet Spiller. Special vocal selection presented during the service was “In the Garden” by Carolyn Hayes and Paula Rothschild, accompanied by pianist, Violet Spiller. Interment followed in Egyptian Cemetery of Energy, IL. Pallbearers were Richard Goetsch, Jim Dillon, Kerry Smith, Delain Bendel, Jack Stewart and James Summers. The family requested in lieu of flowers all donations in memory of Bob Norris were made to “Lake of Egypt Christian Church” and were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes were available at the funeral home. For additional information please call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Robert L. Norris

February 26, 1927 - September 23, 2015