Sebring - Francis Samuel Norris, 89, passed away Wednesday May 21, 2014 at the Alliance Community Hospital.
He has resided at Copeland Oaks Retirement Center in Sebring since moving there from Ashland in 2005. He was born in Coshocton County, on a farm near Canal Lewisville, on December 25, 1924 to Samuel A. and Georgia (Eckert) Norris. He graduated from Keene High School, Muskingum College, and received his Master's Degree in Theology from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. He served in the U.S. Navy with Squadron 25 on an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific during WWII. On March 21, 1948, Francis was married to Eileen Hebron.
As a member of the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church since 1954, he has served as a pastor for many rural churches in northeast Ohio. He felt the call to these rural churches, and believed there was a great need to serve and minister to their spiritual needs. He was also calling pastor for 5 years at both Faith U.M.C in Mansfield, and Christ U.M.C. in Ashland. He was an active member of the Evening Lions Club in Ashland, the Ohio Genealogical Society, the United Methodist Rural Fellowship, the Ruritan, the Boys Scouts of America Eagle Scouts, and the Canal Lewisville U.M.C.
Francis is survived by his wife, Eileen, of Sebring, sons; David (Marion) Norris of Columbus, Kevin L. (Bridgett) Norris of Mogadore, and Bryan L. (Patty) Norris of Sharon, PA, grandchildren; Dr. Scott (Amanda)Norris of St. Louis, MO, Molly (Ben)Schmidt of Madison, WI, Jennifer (Jason)McCormick of Cranberry Twp., PA, Eric (Beth)Norris of Tallmadge, Brenda (Russell)Johnston of California, Christopher (Bethany)Norris of Erie, PA, and Julie Norris of Sharon, PA, 9 great grandchildren, a brother, Dr. William Norris of Eau Claire, WI, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Robert, John, and Carl Norris, and a sister, Kathryn Bachman.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2014, at the Canal Lewisville United Methodist Church. The Rev. James Humphrey will officiate. Burial will follow in Canal Lewisville Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. A memorial service will also be held at Copeland Oaks at a later time.
Memorial donations are suggested to Life Care Copeland Oaks, 800 S 15th St. Sebring, OH, 44672, or to the Canal Lewisville U.M.C., 198 E Church Street Coshocton, OH 43812. The Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw is handling arrangements. www.fischerfuneralhome.com
