Larry L Norris

Larry Lee Norris, 85, of Findlay, passed away on June 3rd at Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay. He was born on January 16, 1941, in Findlay, to the late Cloyce and Violet (Leathers) Norris, the 9th of 11 children. Larry married Janine Chatelain in 1958, and she preceded him in death following a battle with cancer. He then married Diane (Patrick Kindle) in 1970, and she survives in Findlay.

Also surviving are 4 children: Nick (Jill) Norris, Tari (Bruce, deceased) Wilson, Wendy (David) Gruber, and Brandy (Victor Reyes) Norris; 8 grandchildren: Matthew (Melissa) Norris, Lindsay Norris, Jeremy Wilson, Ahron Wilson, Kelly Wilson, Janine Wilson, Nathan Gruber, and Abbie (Matt) Cavender; 13 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by 1 son, Rob (Ann) Kindle, and all 10 siblings.

A life-long Findlay resident, Larry graduated from Findlay High School in 1958 but began plastering houses with his older brother at the age of 16. In 1966 he joined The Ohio Engineering Co. (later SE Johnson Co., and now Shelly Co.) as a road construction laborer, but shortly thereafter was leading his own paving crew. Often traveling together and working long hours, the guys on the crew and their families became lifelong friends. During the winter, Larry traded in the paver for a snowplow, keeping local roads and major establishments clear. He won multiple accolades for his work and continued on to become general superintendent and quality control manager, retiring in 2012 after 46 years.

Always active, Larry enjoyed drag racing in his earlier years and kept his ’66 Grand Prix in pristine condition, until finally parting with it in the late 80s. He also enjoyed riding his snowmobile and motorcycle. Larry helped build the house he and Diane have lived in for 43 years and took great pride and joy in meticulously maintaining their 12-acre wooded property, right up until his last day.

A self-taught and highly skilled woodworker, he set up his own woodshop on site, cut and milled his own wood, and crafted countless pieces of furniture and accessories for family and friends. Additionally, Larry served on the Marion Township Boards for over 40 years. In his later years, when advanced COPD prevented him from woodworking, he delighted in observing wildlife, riding his golf cart, mowing, doing puzzles, watching Jeopardy, and spending time with their dog, Lilly. Hanneman’s of Findlay is assisting with family arrangements. A small celebration of lifewill be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Findlay. Online condolences may be expressed at https://www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com/ or https://www.millerfuneralhomes.net/