We are sad to announce John C. Norris (84) of Mitchell, Illinois passed away Monday, December 18, 2023, after a short hospital stay. John will be laid to rest beside his wife of over 60 years at Sunset Hills. A memorial is scheduled at Grace Church East Campus 4711 IL HWY 111 S, Wednesday, December 27 th with visitation at 11 am followed by a service at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the church or to John's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

John is survived by his daughters, Karen Bryarly (Russ Barthelemy) and Suzanne (Steve) Levy, seven grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.
John was a much beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother-in-law, leaving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews with his legacy and example of what it is to be a good man. And leaving behind a memory of support, laughter, and kindness to many.

John is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Patricia Norris, his brother David Norris, sister Lucy Moore and son-in-law, Patrick Bryarly.

John was a lifelong resident of Mitchell IL, growing up there and raising his family there. He and his wife, Patricia were the first couple to be married at Mitchell Presbyterian church, December 26, 1957. A colorful storyteller with a sharp memory for details and a comic outlook on life growing up in rural America in the 50s, he often referred to those childhood days and early youth with his young wife, Patricia as the "best time in the world to be alive".

John enlisted in the Navy Reserve while still in high school and served at Lambert Field and US Navy Reserve Airbase before serving proudly at Point Magu Naval Air Station, Oxnard, California as a Navy Airman. John was a railroad engineer all of his adult life running trains for the C&EI,
the Missouri Pacific, and the Union Pacific railroad.

John had many life-long friends and countless adventures. He loved fishing and camping and boating. He enjoyed spending weekends with his family at "the lake" or "the farm" and seemed to always have a weekend get-away home for his family and friends to spend the summers having fun and building countless memories.

At his core, John was a family man, a loving husband, a dedicated father, grandfather, and uncle. He was the family support for generations. When recently asked to take a "get to know you" survey about his accomplishments, best memories, most important things in life, he responded with each question "family". Spending time with family was his favorite thing to do and supporting those around him with love, kindness and laughter was his true superpower.

John will be missed by many.