Charles Ray "Charlie" Norris

COLUMBUS, KS – Charles Ray (Charlie) Norris, 91, of Columbus, passed away at Wildwood Senior Living surrounded by loved ones on July 29, 2025. He was born September 7, 1933 in Columbus, Kansas, to Vernon and Vena (Burton) Norris. Charlie graduated with the Cherokee County Rural High School Class of 1952 and was a member of the Columbus First United Methodist Church. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and "Pa". He married Patsy Larison on May 6, 1956 in Columbus, Kansas. They worked side by side in the grocery business for over 40 years at several locations ultimately becoming co-owners and operators of Charlie's IGA. After retiring from the grocery business, he loved doing landscaping and dirt work. He loved spending time with family and friends and attending activities of his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Survivors include daughters Cindy (Bob) Ellis of Oronogo, MO, Melanie Kalar (Mark Clark) of Columbus, KS, Michelle Phelps of Columbus, KS, grandchildren; Brian Ellis, Kansas City, MO, Lindsay (Shaun) Kloer, Oronogo, MO, Ali (Devin) Martinez, Parsons, KS, and great grandchildren, Olivia, Drew, and Grace Kloer and Kain and Maklynn Martinez, and sister Nancy Reynolds. He was preceded in death by his wife Patsy, his parents Vernon and Vena Norris, son-in-laws David Kalar and Brian Phelps, brothers Vernon (Junior) Norris, Jim (Buck) Norris, and sister Mary Rohr. A service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the First United Methodist Chruch in Columbus, Kansas with graveside services following at the Park Cemetery in Columbus, KS. The family will receive family and friends at 10:00, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests, donations be made to REViVE Hope for Health (formerly Brian Phelps Memorial Foundation) or Columbus First United Methodist Church. Donations can be dropped off or mailed to the funeral home. Condolences may be left at our website www.bathnaylor.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Columbus, KS.