Gary Norris

Gary Allen Norris, 76, of Wood Heights, MO, died peacefully at home on Saturday, July 26, 2025, surrounded by his family that loved him.
Gary was born on September 17, 1948, in rural North Kansas City, MO, to Ralph and Lola (Aubrey) Norris. He graduated from Park Hill High School in 1967. On September 9, 1969, he enlisted in the Army and went to Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on August 14, 1971. He then attended and graduated from Maple Woods Community College. After graduation, he joined the Teamsters Union, spending his career at Church Hill Truck Line and later retiring from Yellow Freight in 2002.
Gary met his wife, Karen Smith, on a blind date in 1990. They soon realized that they had much in common. They were both the oldest sibling and each had a September birthday, along with love of family. They were married on July 4, 1993 at the lake of the Ozarks during a family reunion. They had just celebrated their 32nd anniversary on July 4th.
Gary was a master gardener. He truck-farmed for years and gave away hundreds of pounds of produce. He finally had to quit when Karen refused to can any more vegetables.
Gary and Karen enjoyed traveling enjoying multiple lake trips and reunions with Gary's extended family. They went on countless reunions with Karen's family including lake trips and float trips, which were always great fun (especially with Jell-O shots; the perfect float trip treat). They both enjoyed traveling with Karen's childhood friends to the east coast, Colorado, and Table Rock Lake.
One of his greatest pleasures was traveling with Karen's son, Todd and his family friends. On one of these vacation Gary learned to scuba dive; a joy made even greater when he was able to dive alongside his grandchildren. Gary's favorite destination quickly became Cozumel, Mexico, where he and Karen first learned to dive and even had the incredible experience of snorkeling with whale sharks.
Gary is survived by his wife, Karen; stepsons, Todd (Debbie) Crabtree, Trent Crabtree and stepdaughter, Tisha (Chris) Crabtree; grandchildren, Taylor (Isabella) Crabtree, Kaitlin (Cole) Jenkins, Cody (Morgan) Stanfill, Haley (Billy) Stanfill, Cayden Clevenger, and Jayce Clevenger; great-grandchildren, Lillian, Olivia, Avery, Jack, Addilyn, and Sawyer. He is also survived by siblings, Linda Smith, Donnie (Nita) Payne III, Sheila (Steve) Seek, Ruth Ballew, and Robert Payne; aunts, Nonie Clemenson and Sue Martin; and uncles, Gene Aubrey and Randy Aubrey. In addition he has 30 first cousins, 13 nieces and nephews, 34 great nieces and nephews, and 11 great-great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Burton Easley; great-grandson, Bryson Stanfill; nephews, James Smith, Donnie Payne IV, Jacob Payne; and niece Joy Payne.
Gary's greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Those moments brought him immense happiness and he felt truly thankful and blessed for every one of them.
Military Honors will be held at the Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO, on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed by a gathering of family and friends from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the Elks Lodge in Excelsior Springs, MO. Snacks and drinks provided. Cash only bar provided by the Elks Lodge.
Memorial contributions can be made to hospice care, the Veterans Community Project, which builds tiny homes to provide housing for homeless Vietnam Veterans, or to a charity of your choice in his honor.
Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.