Robert D. “Bob” Norris, 90, of Coldwater, passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 12:00 Noon at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Pastor David Anderson officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM at Dutcher Funeral Home.
Bob was born December 30, 1921 in Hillsdale, MI to Winfred & Vera Hagerman Norris. He married Juanita McElhenie on May 24, 1942 in Reading, MI and together they had celebrated 70 years.
Bob enlisted in the US Army in 1942 during WWII, and served with the 101st Airborne Signal Corp where he had been part of the Normandy invasion at Omaha Beach. Bob was a very skilled photographer and had many of his war photos published in LIFE Magazine. He was also proud to have photographed the wedding of General Omar Bradley’s daughter. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1945 after earning many medals, including a Purple Heart from the loss of both of his legs.
Mr. Norris spent many years in the Reading area where he had owned and operated Superior Dry Cleaning. He then worked for Bronson Tool & Die, the Farmers Advance and had been self employed for many years with various types of construction work.
Bob and his wife built their house on Iyopawa Island in 1953 and had belonged to the Iyopawa Island and Coldwater Lake Associations. He had served as the past Post Commander for the Reading American Legion and President of the Coldwater Lake Ski Club. He enjoyed snowmobiling and many water and boating activities on the lake.
Bob is survived by his son Dennis Norris & Lisa, his grandson Darren Norris all of Los Angeles, CA, his nieces and nephews Susan (Jeff) Lindsey of Dallas, TX and their son Samuel , David Bungert of Tampa, FL, and his son Austin, Jon Norris of Wisconsin, Sally, Sara & Susan, Steve McElhenie of Texas and Lisa Escobar of Florida and his sister-in-law Donna (John) McElhenie-Bungert of Atlanta, GA. He was preceded in death by his wife Juanita on May 10, 2011 and his brothers Carlyle & Richard Norris. Memorials may be directed to the Iyopawa Island Association or the Charity of One’s Choice. www.dutcherfh.com.


For online condolences and Tributes please visit dutcherfh.com.