Keith Norris

Keith Etienne Norris, 76, passed away on September 4, 2025, in New Iberia, Louisiana. Born on June 3, 1949, in the same city he called home throughout his life, Keith leaves behind a legacy of hard work and deep faith.

A proud graduate of New Iberia Senior High School's Class of 1968, Keith played football during his high school years. After graduation, he embarked on a lifelong journey through what he fondly referred to as the "school of hard knocks," dedicating over 36 years to building a meaningful and impactful career.

Keith began his professional life at Texaco, starting in the kitchen on an oil rig before transitioning into the oil field. His dedication and perseverance saw him rise through the ranks-from roustabout to pumper to lease manager at the Horseshoe Bayou oil lease. When BP acquired the lease from Texaco, Keith continued his work with BP for another six years until his well-earned retirement. He took great pride in his work and was especially fond of the camaraderie he shared with his colleagues. The annual company picnic and crawfish boil were cherished events where he delighted in bringing his family together with his work family. Keith often spoke with gratitude about how both Texaco and BP treated him well and enabled him to provide for those he loved.

Keith was the father to nine children: Brian Norris, Tracie Dugas, Andrea Theriot, Dominic Norris, Adam Norris, Phillip Norris, Patrick Norris, and Wanda Norris. His love extended to his grandchildren-Justin Dugas, Bryce Norris, Rayna Viera, Sage Dugas, Canyn Dugas, Emry Owens, Ahlaya Owens, Kiya Norris, and Kyson Norris.

He was preceded in death by his wife Diana Lynn Dugas Norris; his son Angel Norris; grandsons Blake Michael Dugas and Grant Christopher Norris; his parents Donald James Norris and Rita Lou LeBlanc Norris; paternal grandparents Etienne Joseph Norris and Josephine Mae Comeaux Norris; maternal grandparents Etienne "Black" LeBlanc and Louisa LeBlanc.

After separating from his wife in 1990, Keith moved in with his mother and lovingly cared for her until her passing in 2018-a testament to his enduring sense of responsibility and compassion.

Keith found great joy in simple pleasures: fishing, riding his motorcycle, playing cards, tinkering with cars, or enjoying a round of golf. A musician at heart, he played both piano and guitar and loved to sing. His sense of humor was ever-present-he delighted in telling jokes and making others laugh.

He also enjoyed watching classic television shows like Bonanza, Gunsmoke, The Waltons, and Little House on the Prairie-programs that reflected the values he held dear: community, resilience, and kindness.

A devout Catholic throughout his life, Keith was a long-time member of the Cursillo Catholic Men's Group. He deeply valued their annual retreats in Prairie Rhone and weekly altraya meetings. His faith was central to who he was; he prayed the Rosary daily alongside Mother Angelica on EWTN. Keith maintained lifelong friendships with Father Robitaille-the priest who married him-and Father Wilson J. Matt. He visited both priests regularly at Consolata Nursing Home and attended Mass with them faithfully.

Keith Etienne Norris will be remembered as a hardworking provider who gave selflessly to those around him-with strength in labor, warmth in friendship, laughter in abundance, and unwavering faith. He believed strongly in penance and atonement for sins and tried to bring comfort to all who knew him. He was a long time supporter of and donated monthly to EWTN, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, St. Jude's and the Social Services Center in New Iberia. As a final offering of penance Keith opted to donate his body for scientific study so that others might benefit from his passing.

Keith would appreciate any donation to the Social Services Center in his memory in lieu of flowers or gifts.