Laurel Kent Norris

Laurel Kent Norris, 85, of St. Mary Of The Woods, IN passed away at 4:55 a.m. Tuesday November 8, 2016 in Union Hospital in Terre Haute surrounded by his family. He retired as a mathematics teacher at Otter Creek Middle School after many years of service with the Vigo County School Corporation. Laurel was born January 11, 1931 in his childhood home in Fairbanks, IN to Moses and Rose Norris. After graduating high school in Fairbanks he worked at Root's Department Store where he met his wife Edythe before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He was a Korean War veteran having served on the USS Hornet and the Midway during the war. He was lovingly known as the protégé' of St. Francis Of Assissi who loved all living things. Laurel loved feeding and watching the birds, his cats and dogs, and was an avid advocate for spaying and neutering. After serving his term in the Navy, Laurel attended Indiana State University and received his degree in mathematics education and began his career as an educator. He was also a thirty six year member of the St. Mary Of The Woods Volunteer Fire Department.
Laurel is survived by his adored wife of sixty four years, Edythe, whom he married on July 19, 1952; a son and daughter-in-law Steve and Pam Norris; three daughters and sons-in-law Karen and Danny Harris, Elizabeth and Rick Von Flatern of Austin, TX, and Laura and Dale Jackson of Marion, IA. He was blessed with eleven grandchildren and twenty three great grandchildren with one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. Mass Of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the St. Mary's Village Catholic Church with Father Joe Feltz officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Vigo County Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday in Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 N. 3rd St., West Terre Haute with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. led by Sister Joan Slobig. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the 14th & Chestnut Community Center, c/o Pastor Bill Felts with envelopes available in the funeral home.