Norman Harris

Norman James Harris, son of Russell Harris and Ella (Dalton) Harris, was born September 27, 1935, in Mansfield, Missouri, and departed this life on February 9, 2023, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 87 years, 4 months, and 12 days.

On January 25, 1957, he was united in marriage to Doris Freeman, and to this union a daughter was born.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Norman is survived by his wife of 66 years, Doris; daughter, Lori Edwards and husband, Gary, of Mansfield; two grandchildren, Melissa Edwards, and Zachary Edwards both of Mansfield; one great-grandchild, Madison Leanne Bias; brother, Don “Gene” Harris and wife, Cheryl, of Springfield; sister, Louise Conley of Mansfield; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was born in Mansfield and graduated from Mansfield High School in the Class of 1954. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army and lived most of his adult life in Ava, Missouri, where he was manager of Empire Gas for over 40 years.

Norman made a profession of faith in Christ at a young age and was a longtime member of Ava First Baptist Church until moving his membership to Mansfield First Baptist Church in recent years.

In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, participating in and watching drag car races, and collector cars. But most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and was a very proud great-grandfather.

Norman was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and a sincerely caring neighbor and friend.

We have many special times with him that we will always cherish.