Glen F. Norris

WWII Veteran Glen Norris of Greeley died Dec. 30, 2024, at age 98. Glen was born on May 26, 1926 in Woodston, Kansas to Luther (known as Blackie) and Ella Norris, and at 6 months old moved to Greeley, Colorado. Glen grew up in Greeley, CO and worked at Blackies Auto Parts (a family owned business), until joining the Navy at age 18, where he worked in the mess hall cooking for over 500 crew members on ship "USS LUBOCK", as well as many other duties. He served in the battle of Iwo Jima and the battle of Okinawa, where he watched the signing of the treaty and the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. On his 21st birthday, he was honorably discharged from the service and got to personally meet and shake President Harry Trumans hand on his 21st birthday. Upon his return home he helped build the Greeley VFW Pioneer Post 2121 and operated Blackies Auto Parts with his father until 1969. During this time he married Norma Norris and raised two children Roy and Sharon. In 1981, he married his second wife, Betty Anderson/Norris, and was employed at Flatiron Paving where he was employed for over 20 years. Glen enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and motorcycle riding. Glen was privileged to go on the first Honor Flight to Washington, DC, to visit the World II memorial in 2008, and was part of the motorcycle escortee every honor flight thereafter until 2023. Glen thoroughly enjoyed riding his three-wheeler motorcycle up until Dec. 2023 at 97 after being bitten by a black widow spider that landed him in the hospital fighting for his life. However, the fighter he was, he beat the odds until Dec. 30, 2024. Glen had a love for life, had a great will to live, and made an everyday count. You would always find Glen enjoying his visits with his veteran friends at the VFW and Marine Core League. Glen loved meeting friends at his favorite restaurants, which included JB's diner (where he always shared the story of working one summer cutting up 200 lbs of beef for a JB's July 4th gathering as a teenager). His other favorites were Golden Corral, having Chicken Fried Steak at KFC, and the SOS breakfast that the young Marines prepared. Most everyone can remember him and stories of him and his cayenne pepper, in which he swore contributed to his longevity and help with arthritis. Glen lived a great legacy and will be remembered and missed by many. Glen was preceded in death by son Roy Norris, wife Norma Norris, wife Betty Norris, parents Luther (Blackie) and Ella, and siblings Lee, Bill, and Pearl Norris/Stroll. He is survived by his daughter Sharon Downing of CA, youngest bother Richard Norris of CA, Step daughters Sherian Farenbruch and Nancy Will both of CO, one very special step granddaughter/adopted daughter Jan Dabroski, and four step grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2025. We can visualize him riding into the clouds of heaven on his motorcycle with a BIG smile as he reunites with many loved ones and where he now resides in peace. He would want us all to be happy for him and remember the life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Greeley Union Colony Marines (2514 7th Ave Greeley, CO 80631) or Wounded Warrior Project in honor of Glen Norris.

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Glen F. Norris

May 23, 1926 - December 30, 2024