DR. CLAUDE E. NORCROSS

Dr. Claude E. Norcross, 90, of Drexel, Mo., died June 3, 2012, at Louisburg Care Center, Louisburg, Kan. He was born July 29, 1921, at Norris, Mo., in Henry County, the son of Calvin Edward and Gladys Edna (Rogers) Norcross. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Osborn on Aug. 1, 1943, in Drexel. Claude served in the United States Navy during WWII, retiring as a Lieutenant. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Warrensburg State Teachers College, Warrensburg, Mo., Master's Degree from Claremont Graduate School, Claremont, Calif., and his Ed. D. from Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif. He served as Superintendent of Schools of the Taft Unified School District, Taft, Calif., Peoria Unified School District, Peoria, Ill., and Palos Verdes School District, Palos Verdes, Calif. He was named National Teacher of the Year while serving as teacher/principal of the Gaviota School District in Gaviota, Calif., after earning his Master's Degree. He and his wife Dorothy spent their retirement researching and writing books on family history and his service in the United States Navy in the South Pacific during WWII. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Bob, Lawrence, and Ernest Norcross and one sister, Margaret (Norcross) Ragland. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Dorothy (Osborn) Norcross, Drexel; two daughters, Diana and husband Dr. James McWilliams, Los Angeles, Calif., and Pamela Norcross-Sherrick and husband James Sherrick, Lafayette, Colo.; one grandson, Cyrus McWilliams; one great-granddaughter, Gwyneth McWilliams; one sister, Eunice Clark, Clinton, Mo.; one brother-in-law, Charles Ragland, Clinton; one sister-in-law, Lacey Norcross, Clinton; and seven nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home Louisburg Chapel, with visitation one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, at the chapel. Burial with military honors will be in the Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Louisburg Public Library or charity of your choice. To leave a message for the family, visit www.PenwellGabelLouisburg.com Arr.: Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, Louisburg Chapel, 120 South Broadway, Louisburg, KS 66053 (913) 837-4310.