Ernie R. Norris

       WARSAW- Ernest Robert “Ernie” Norris, 96, died Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 at the Genesis Hospice Morrison House in Zanesville.

       He was born May 22, 1930 in Coshocton to the late Benjamin Franklin and Fannie (Atwood) Norris. A 1948 graduate of Conesville High School, Ernie then served in the United States Navy from 1948 to 1952. He married Gretchen Harris (Lint) Norris on Nov. 24, 1956, who preceded him in death May 1, 2010.

       “Big E” was a Walhonding Valley Fire Fighter with over 60 years of service to the residents of Coshocton County. Ernie was will be remembered by most as the right front seat of the tanker running out of the west-end station, piloted by his friend and fellow firefighter Chet Beard. He was also a member of the American Legion.

       Ernie was an avid Ohio State and Cleveland Indians fan, and enjoyed going to horse races with his friends Chet Beard and Steve Kempf.

       He is survived by a son, Mark (Wendy) Norris of Graham, NC; a daughter, Karen (Steve) Jones of Dresden; four grandchildren, Lindsay Jones, Kaleigh (Dan) Brown, Yvonne (Steve) Moshier, and Stephanie (Jeremy) Mountain; two step-grandchildren, Melissa Ackman, and Lesa Hart; four great-grandchildren, Zackary Mountain, Emma Mountain, Maykala Moshier, and Caleb (Ceira) Moshier; four step-great-grandchildren, Branson Ackman, Brady Ackman, Oliva Stoneburner, and Alexis Pavish; three great-great-grandchildren, Kailynn Grimes, Mariah Norris, Everliegh Moshier.

       In addition to his parents and wife, Ernie was preceded in death by three grandchildren, Kaitlyn & Robert Jones, and Dylan Norris.

       Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 at Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw, with Rev. Dairel Kaiser officiating. Burial with graveside military rites will follow in Prairie Chapel Cemetery. Visitation is one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. FischerFuneralHome.com

       Memorial donations are suggested to the Walhonding Valley Fire Fighters, P.O. Box 158 Warsaw, OH 43844.