Robert Joe Norris, 95, formerly of Columbia City, died at 10:09 a.m. Friday, November 27, 2020, at Northridge Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Albion where he had been a resident since February 2016.

He was born September 19, 1925, in Wilkes Barre, PA, a son of the late Ignatius and Helen (Koscielski) Naruszewski.  He grew up in the Wilkes-Barre area.  After he completed school, he moved to Jackson Heights, Queens, NY and worked as a taxi driver.

On September 26, 1942, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps serving in the European Theater.  He received an honorable discharge at Baer Field, Fort Wayne on October 17, 1945.

On July 5, 1947 he married Satasia Mosher.  She died on August 2, 1987.  On May 10, 1997, he married Garnett LaFever.  She died on April 13, 2009.

Robert worked for Kunkle Valve, Fort Wayne retiring in 1987 with 15 years of service.

Since 2006, Robert had lived in Columbia City until becoming a resident at Northridge Village in Albion.

He is survived by his step-granddaughter, Kitrina (Glenn) Unverzagt, of Columbia City.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by two sons, Robert and Steven Norris.

A private graveside service will be held at the Highland Park Cemetery in Fort Wayne with the Whitley County Korean War Honor Guard presenting military honors.  Arrangement are by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials are to the donor's choice.