Samuel J. Norris, 81, of Warren, IN, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 5:50 AM on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Parkview Huntington Hospital in Huntington, IN. He was born on Friday, December 27, 1935, in Fort Recovery, OH. Sam married his first wife, BethAnn Lane on July 7, 1956. Sam and BethAnn lived and raised their family in Kent, Ohio. BethAnn passed away in February of 1985. He married Esther Lebsack on Saturday, December 22, 1990 in Ottumwa, IA; she survives. Sam and Esther moved to the Heritage Pointe Community in 2012 after years of being in the ministry. Together the two have pastored many churches in Ohio, Indiana, Colorado, Missouri and Kansas. He became a pastor in 1967 and served in the National Guard. Sam was very passionate about education and the many people who touched his life over the years. He lived his life to care and be there for others when they needed him. During the ministry he held many offices in his profession. After retirement Sam and Esther had a cattle farm in Missouri. Sam always enjoyed his pets, cats: Fred, Rocky and Rascal and dogs: Alfie and Queenie. He attended the Salamonie Church of the Brethren.
Survivors: Wife – Esther (Lebsack) Norris, Warren, IN, Daughter in law-Sheree Gaunt, Temperance, MI, Son – Jeffrey Samuel (Jackie) Norris, Grand Rapids, MI, Son – Gary Robert (Lea) Norris, Churubusco, IN, Son – Martin Bradly (Elizabeth) Norris, Westfield, IN, Son – Andrew Matthews (Lara) Norris, Columbia City, IN, Son – Jerry Lawrence Kalb, Englewood, CO, Brother – Richard (Jeannie) Norris, Coldwater, FL, Sister – Shirley Blocker, Clearwater, FL, 19 Grandchildren and several Gr. Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his: Father – Alfred James Norris, Mother – Era (Matthews) Norris, 1st Wife-BethAnn (Lane) Norris, Son – Edward Alfred Norris, Son-Erin Wayne Kalb, Brother – Billy E. Norris, Brother – Alfred Jay Norris, Brother- James K. Norris, Sister – Joan Hartley and Infant Sister – Martha Lou Norris.
Family and friends may gather to share and remember at Heritage Pointe Applegate Chapel on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. A service to celebrate Sam’s life will follow at 1:00PM with Chaplain Ginny Soultz, Dick Case and Pastor Mel Zumbrun officiating. Interment will follow in the Springhill Cemetery in Fort Recovery, OH.
Preferred memorials: Kings Academy, Jacob & Marie Lebsack Scholarship, or IWU Scholarship. Please send all memorial donations to PO Box 366, Warren, IN 46792.
Arrangements are being handled by Glancy – H. Brown & Son Funeral Home in Warren.
Online condolences may be made at Obituaries – Glancy Funeral Homes