Melvin L. Norris

Melvin L. Norris, 85, a former resident of Pensacola, Fla., died June 1 at the Veterans Home of West Los Angeles with family members by his side.

Melvin had been a resident of California for the past 10 years, where his daughter and son-in-law live.

Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Leonard N. and Helen D. Norris and had resided in Hazleton and graduated from Hazleton High School in 1953. He left Pennsylvania to serve in the U.S. Navy on Aug. 10, 1954.

Melvin's naval career as a cryptologic technician spanned 22 years, having served mostly overseas during that time. Chief Norris's final four year tour of duty was at the Naval Technical Training Center Corry Station, Pensacola, Fla., where he would serve as an instructor in communications. He was presented with a Citation of Commendation from the Chief of Naval Technical Training, and thereby designated as master training specialist, the highest honor given within the Naval Technical Training Command in recognition of sustained superior performance in the field of training. On June 14, 1976, CTOC M.L. Norris retired from the U.S. Navy in a retirement ceremony at NTTC Corry Station, where he was awarded the U.S. Naval Security Group Meritorious Service Award. After his naval career, Melvin embarked on an 18-year civil service career at the Naval Supply Center, NAS Pensacola, Fla.

Melvin was a member of Westwood Christian Church, Pensacola, Fla. He and his family were active in the church. While overseas, they enjoyed attending the Protestant Chapel at each duty station.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were an infant sister, Lenore H.; and his wife of 61 years, Juanita Taitano Norris.

Mel and Nita traveled the world and raised their family with God's love: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

His children saw their father as a man who was there for them and could "do it all," from putting together bicycles at Christmas, to driving up mountainous terrain on Guam, having fun at beach picnics, taking pictures during swim meets, escorting the family to their next duty station, navigating a trip across the U.S., celebrating birthdays and graduations, touring Europe, trick-or-treating, camping, riding out every gulf coast hurricane, playing tennis, walking in the neighborhood and getting the family to church on time every Sunday. World's Best Dad!

These memories and so much more proudly belong to his surviving four "Navy brats," Mark, Sandra, Laura and Leonard; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Shaun, Bryan, Dakota (U.S. Army), Waverly and Emma.

A gathering of family and friends was held to celebrate his life on June 14 at Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, Calif., with Pastor Rick Squillace conducting the service, and interment in Riverside National Cemetery with Honor Squad.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Melvin's memory to an Alzheimer's charity of one's choice.