Thomas Norris
Alton |
Thomas L. Norris, 72, passed away at 12:46 am, Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at Alton Memorial Hospital.
He was born in East Alton, IL on September 2, 1940 the son of the late Robert “Skinner” and Freda (Cook) Norris.
He attended grade schools in East Alton and Wood River. His family moved to Plainfield, Indiana when he was a teenager. After high school he attended the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan. Tom also served in the US Air Force. While in the Air Force, he learned to speak Mandarin at Yale University. He was a linguist in Taiwan for the Air Force.
Tom married Lucia Marie Laird in Alton on May 6, 1967.
Tom was a Computer Programmer for Owens IL Glass for 28 years. He also worked at OI International in Manaus, Brazil, Alton Hardware, Barry Clayton Properties, Hayner Library at the mall and Dentistry with TLC. Tom earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees at SIU Edwardsville. He was an Elder, Deacon, and Sunday School Teacher at College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Alton where he served and chaired many church committees and was active in the Presbyterian Mariners. Tom was a member of Clyde Wiseman Bible Study Group and was active in the YMCA Indian Guides, Cub Master of Pack 173 at Gilson Brown School and Boy Scout Troop 1 Committee. Tom enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing, and reading.
He is survived by his wife, Lucia Marie of Godfrey; two sons, David Norris of Alton, Stephen (Melissa) Norris of Fairfield, OH; one daughter, Sarah (Jim) Crause of Godfrey; four grandchildren, Michael Baum, Jack and Sam Norris, Charlotte Crause; two sisters, Nancy (Bob) Church of Grantfork, IL, Penny (Jeff) Underwood of Jerseyville; two brothers-in-law, Buddy Marchiori of Bethalto and Jeff Laird of Godfrey; one uncle, Dale (Carolyn) Cook of Bethalto; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Barbara Marchiori and Bonnie Norris; and his in laws, Bud and Marie Laird.
Memorial service will be at 10 am on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Alton with Rev. Dale Jackson and Pastor Jeff Heil officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Scholarship Fund of College Avenue Presbyterian Church, Alton Area Animal Aid Association, or Camp Mound Ridge Presbyterian Church Camp.
Inurnment will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey at a later date.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey is in charge of arrangements.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
