John Harden Norris

FUNERAL HOME

Wagner-Elfner and Burg Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. - Red Lion

134 W. Broadway

Red Lion, Pennsylvania

John Norris Obituary

YORK John Harden Norris, 88, entered into rest after a brief illness on Sunday, September 28, 2008, at 8:45 a.m. at his residence. He was the husband of Anna L. (Hitt) Plourde-Norris, whom he married on June 26, 1998. He was the husband of the late Dorothy M. (Clark) Norris, whom he married November 27, 1941 and who entered into rest on September 27, 1996. He was born in Lincoln, Neb., May 6, 1920, son of the late Rev. John Murray and Florence (Harden) Norris. He was in Broadcasting and was the owner and operator of Red Lion Broadcasting Company, Inc., which he founded with his late father. He traveled Internationally doing Missionary work throughout the world including Africa (where he helped build a church) and Korea; he was president of Faith Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, and Baltimore, Md., from 1997 until 2007. He was currently President Emeritas of F.T.S. In his youth John was a Boy Scout, played piano in his father's church were he was very active. He attended Chester High School and still followed their basketball exploits. He entered Pennsylvania Military College (now Weidner University) where he graduated in 1941. While there he was a member of the track team and the military band. He worked as an engineer of Sinclair Oil and Refining Company in Claymont, Del., and also at Dupont Chemical in Wilmington Del., as a chemist. John left his position with the Sinclair Oil to assist his father with the Red Lion Broadcasting Company project. On October 22,1950, WGCBAM went on the air and John assumed its managerial duties. In 1958 he established WGCB-FM, this being one of the first stations to broadcast in stereo, WINB short-wave in 1962 and WGCB-TV channel 49 in 1979. At that time he was the only individual in the United States to own and operate AM, FM, short-wave and TV in one location and under one ownership. Under John's watchful care, these stations have specialized in family and religious programming to this day. The mission established by the motto of their call letters WGCB "the World for God, Christ, and the Bible" has been fulfilled. During his lifetime, he had been a church elder at Bible Presbyterian Church of York County. He was also active in the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club. Better Business Bureau of York, National Religious Broadcasters; FCC landmark Supreme court case Red Lion Broadcasting vs. the FCC.; John was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving in WWII. In addition to his wife Anna L. (Hitt) Plourde-Norris of York, he is survived by; one son, John C. 'Jack' Norris of York; two daughters, Patricia N. Slaughter and husband, Edward of Titusville, N.J., and Mary F. Michel and husband, Samuel of Merritt Island, Fla.; six grandchildren, Lisa L. Pawson, John Mark Norris, Terri M. Layton, Melissa Norris Slaughter, Edward Charles Slaughter, and Marybeth Luiz; four great-granchildren, Andrew Pawson, Lindsay Pawson, Pamela Norris and Luke Layton; four stepchildren, Yvonne Gurzell and husband, Donald of Quinlan, Texas, Rhonda Plourde of Long Island , N.Y., Jeffrey Plourde of Dallastown,; stepdaughter-inlaw, Sharon Plourde of Maryland; 10 stepgrandchildren- Jennifer, Fawn and Megan Plourde, Tara Metcalf, James Vance, Morgan Scrak, Damien Scrak, Rica and Anna Soceanu, and Elizabeth Ann Plourde; six step great-grandchildren, Tyler Plourde, Michael Plourde, Kayla Metcalf, Faith Hyatt, Gracemarie Hyatt, Jasmine Vance; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a stepson, Edward J. Plourde, who entered into rest in February 1999. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Burg Funeral Home, Inc., 134 W. Broadway, Red Lion, with the Rev. Leon Denlinger, Pastor Ron Susek, and the Rev. Norman Manahar, officiating. Speaking at the service will be Dr. Benjamin Armstrong, Jerry Jacobs and David Wier. Viewings will be 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in New Harmony Presbyterian Cemetery with full military rites by the York County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to York VNA/Hospice, 218 E. Market St., York, PA 17403.

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Published by York Daily Record on Sep. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Norris

7 Entries

Philip D. Schaefer

October 13, 2008

I am saddened to learn of your father's passing. I attended school at St. John's Lutheran in York with both Patti, who was in my class, and Jack. I learned of your father's death from my cousin, Audrey, who sent me the obituary.
God is the great healer and your faith will sustain you through these difficult times.
I am now a retired Circuit Court judge and am quite familiar with the Red Lion Boradcasting case. Rarely do we read cases that emanate from our home area and make it to the US Supreme Court...and a significant one, at that.
I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless.

Audrey Keller

October 3, 2008

To the children of John Norris,

I was so sorry to learn of your father's passing. John, little did I know when you stopped by to express your condolences at my father Ted Schaefer, Sr.'s funeral, that I would be doing the same for you. Because my family, the Schaefer Family Harmonaires, were there at the founding of WGCB, I as a young girl knew your grandfather, who was the physical presence on air, better than your father. It was during his early broadcasts that I listened to my family and eventually learned to play and sing those beautiful gospel hymns. Throughout the grieving for my father, the sentiments of songs like "My Faith Looks Up to Thee," "Rock of Ages," and many others, have sustained me, and I hope that they will do the same for you.
Patty, I got to know you when we attended St. John's Lutheran School, and I remember your pretty little sister, as well. I didn't realize that your lovely mother had preceded your father in death.

Please accept my sincere condolences. May you find comfort in the messages that have been transmitted for 58 years, thanks to your father and grandfather, on radio station W(orld) for G(od) C(hrist) and the B(ible).

Audrey Schaefer Keller

Ellie (Eleanor) Shoemaker

October 1, 2008

John Norris was a man who exemplified Christian compassion. Often, he overruled good business decisions to do what he preceived right even when it hurt the bottom line of his company. My association with John and WGCB strengthened me professionally but more than that I gained insight into a unique management standard in a tough industry.
May his family know comfort during this time of loss. Ellie Shoemaker

Mark Minnich

September 30, 2008

I worked for John in the late 70's through 85. He was a fair, compassionate man. I also met him later in life after he married Anna while working in their home. My wife and my condolences go out to you and your family.

Edward Schroeder

September 30, 2008

Charlene and I send our deepest sympathies.

September 30, 2008

I extend sympathies to the family
and employees of WGCB; John
was a not only a true pioneer in
broadcasting in Central Pennsylvania
but a great catalyst for Christian
Broadcasting. Our thoughts
are with you at this time of loss.
Tim Michaels & Staff
WHVR Hanover, Pa

Catherine DeHart

September 30, 2008

Anne and family:

Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. John was a very special person, he brightened a room just by being in it. Please call on us if there is anything we can do.

Catherine DeHart and all of John's friends from Widener/PMC

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