Robert Frank Norris, 72, of Eastland, passed away Thursday, August 9, 2012 at Hendrick Hospice Center in Abilene. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Eastland. Burial followed in the Eastland City Cemetery.
Robert was born in Benavides, TX on August 5, 1940. He was the son of Velma Belle (Dillon) and Emmett Earl Norris of Flatwood, TX.
Robert attended schools in Brownfield, TX and Carbon, TX. After high school, Robert served in the U.S. Marine Corp. He received his B.S. degree from North Texas State University in Denton, TX and his M.Ed. in administration degree from East Texas State University in Commerce, TX. Robert was active in many school organizations including TSTA, TEPSA, Right to Read Directors, and ATPE. He was one the school administrators who participated in the pilot program for the Texas Teacher Appraisal Program.
Robert was a member and officer of Kiwanis Club and Lion's Club. He was a Cub Scout Cubmaster, and served years on the Board of Directors of Ward County Teachers Credit Union.
Robert was a Baptist and member of Bethel Baptist Church in Eastland.
Robert was married to his wife, Gail (Mace) for 49 years, working on 50. Together they traveled all over the U.S. and took several trips to Europe. Besides traveling, his favorite things to do was to read, watch TV, especially the Texas Rangers and the Cowboys. He looked forward to grandchildren visiting each summer so he could take them to museums and forts. He loved teaching them about the history of our country. Along with the educational part of their visit, he always mixed in places like Schlitterbahn.
Robert was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his wife, Gail, and three sons, Tab Norris of Eastland, Tim Norris and wife Tiffany of Houston, and Ted Norris and wife Julie of Orting, Washington. Grandchildren include Marissa Stephens, Karlie Norris, Makayla Norris, Tommy Pham, Tyler Norris, Trinity Norris, Marlena Norris, Keegan Norris and McKenna Norris. He is survived by his brother, Bill Norris of Flatwood and many sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews.