Joshua Marion Norris

Obituary - Joshua M. Norris

Joshua M. Norris was born March 27, 1861, near Stewartsville, Indiana, and departed this life in the Lusk hospital January 15, 1934, aged 72 years, 9 months, 28 days. He is next to the last of his father's family to depart this life - seven children of the family lived to maturity.

His ancestors migrated from the southeastern part of the United States and settled in their Indiana home in the early part of the 19th century, where they made wholesome contributions to the first settlements in that section. Tradition well establishes the understanding that certain of these ancestors served in the Revolutionary war.

When Joshua, as Mr. Norris was familiarly know, about eleven years of age, he united with the Bethsaida Christian church. He was active as deacon and clerk of this church for many years until he moved to Wyoming. In course of time he transferred his active membership to the (Congregational) local church in Keeline, where he served as deacon until his death. Not only local, but the general work of the church engaged his attention and, in his active years he was officially connected with the Southern Indiana Christian Conference. The highest tribute possible to any man is due brother Norris. He possessed deep and established religious convictions which issued in an upright, honest and helpful life among his fellow men.

Mr. Norris loved his home, was true to his family and has left the indelible marks of a good life in the hearts of his loved ones.

On February 9, 1897, Mr. Norris was united in marriage with Ida Crawford. To this union were born two children, Earl and Norma. Earl passed away in his country's service in France, January 26, 1918. Norma has been spared and is happily married. She has rendered great comfort to her parents, especially during the time of their failing health. She and their son-in-law, John Hill, have both rendered sacrificing and sympathetic service as only true son and daughter could do. Mrs. Norris is greatly blessed in having such faithful children in her loneliness.

Because of failing health Mr. Norris moved with his family from Indiana to Wyoming 24 years ago last October where he has since lived, an honored citizen.

Five years ago last November he moved to Keeline because of ill health and lived there until death came.

Brother Norris leaves to mourn his going his widow and daughter, Mrs. John Hill and husband; one sister, Mrs. Clarence DeFur of Madrid, Iowa, also a number of other relatives and many friends.

"There is no death, what seems so is transition;
This life of mortal breath is but a supurb of the life Elysian
Whose portals we call death."

Obituary by Rev. Vlarence Defur, friend of long standing, who preached the memorial sermon.

Services were at the Keeline Congregational church, conducted by the pastor and Mr. Defur. The choir sang two numbers, "In the Sweet Bye and Bye" and "Will the Circle Be Broken?" The male quartette sang, "Asleep in Jesus" at the church and "God Be With You" at the Jireh cemetery where interment was had under a beautiful sky in the presence of a multitude of friends.

Card of Thanks
We desire to extend sincerest thanks to our many friends for the thoughtful deeds and kind words of sympathy during the illness and upon the death of our beloved husband and father. We are equally appreciative for the many beautiful floral tributes.

Mrs. Ida E. Norris
Mr. and Mrs. John Hill

Keeline Happenings
The funeral services for J. M. Norris last Thursday afternoon, brought together the largest congregation which has even attended the Congregational Church here. The music by the church choir and the men's quartet was as fine as could be heard anywhere, and the sermon by Rev. Clarence Defur of Madrid, Iowa, brother-in-law of Mr. Norris was inspiring. Thus did the community pay tribute to one who has been a neighbor and friend for the past twenty-five years.

Keeline Auxiliary Condoles Death of Joshua M. Norris
Keeline, Wyo., Jan. 17 - Word was received, of the death of J. M. Norris, honorable father, of the son for which the American Legion Post No. 48 at Keeline is named.

The members of the American Legion Auxiliary of Earl Norris Unit No. 48, wish to express their sincere sympathy to Mrs. Ida Norris, gold star mother of this unit, and Mrs. Norma Mill (As printed) president of this unit, in their bereavment.

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary of Earl Norris Post No. 48, wish to extend their heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Ruby Lee and Mr. Dale Baker in the loss of their father, Curtis Baker.

The following poem is written especially for the families of the late J.M. Norris and Curtis Baker, whose deaths during the past week have brought sadness to every resident in this community:

God's ways are not our ways, perhaps, But still we know
His loving care will shelter us Where e'er we go.
So may your shadowed hours pass, Your sorrows cease -
And in His love and tenderness May you find peace.
- Mrs. Cora Nelson

January 25, 1934
Final Services Held For J. M. Norris Thursday; Many Pay Last Respects
Funeral services for the late Joshua Marion Norris, long-time resident of Keeline, who passed away at the Lusk hospital, Monday, January 15th, were held from the Keeline Congregational church at 1:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon, January 18th. The services were conducted by Rev. Clarence Defur, of Madrid, Iowa, a brother-in-law of the deceased.

Hundreds of warm friends of Mr. Norris, whose acquaintances were made during the twenty-five years he lived in the vicinity of Keeline, were present to pay their last respects to a loved and respected citizen. It was probably the largest attended funeral ever known to that section of the county. The tribute paid by Reverend Defur, although simple in phrasing, brought to the minds of the assembly the glories and honor of living life as Mr. Norris lived it.

Two selections were sung by the church choir, and one by the male quartet at the church service, and the latter again sung at the burial rites at the Jireh cemetery, where interment was made.

Complete obituary will be found in another column of this issue.

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