Darell Forest Norris

Darell Forest Norris passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on February 14, 2020 at his home in Porter Ranch, CA. He is survived by his four daughters, Dara Davidson (Mark), Jennifer Moore (Jeff), Lisa Mayers, and Nancy Treinen (Don), 10 grandchildren, Daniel Mayers (Keri), Jamie Sanders (Scott), Laura Mayers, Alex Mayers, Kevin Treinen, Jill Moore, Andrew Davidson, Jessica Davidson, Jack Mayers (Tatum), and Karyn Treinen, 3 great-grandchildren, Duke Sanders, Stella Sanders and Henley Mayers. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years Thordis, and his twin brother Delvin (Valjean) Norris.

Darel1 was born in Pontiac, Michigan October 19, 1928. He grew up in Sedalia, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas. He was a talented athlete in high school and college and received a football scholarship to the University of Kansas where he majored in Journalism and played in the 1948 Orange Bowl. After college he enlisted in the Air Force and graduated from their Aviation Cadet program. He flew B25’s, B29’s and the KC-97’s that were used for air refueling missions. He also had an 18 month stint as a commercial pilot for TWA, but ultimately found his passion in business with Farmer’s Insurance Group with a career that spanned 35 years before reaching his final position as a Senior Vice President. After retirement, Darell became a member of the Northridge Hospital Foundation, serving as Vice Co-Chairman and sat on numerous finance and executive committees.

He was a devoted member and deacon at the First Baptist Church of Granada Hills for 36 years, now known as Story City Church Granada Hills, where a “Celebration of Life” service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 1030a, followed by a luncheon at Porter Valley Country Club in Porter Ranch, CA. A private burial will be held Monday, March 2, 2020 at Plainsburg Cemetery, Merced CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Northridge Hospital Foundation or Story City Church, Granada Hills.