William Joseph Norris

William (Bill) Joseph Norris, (81), Topeka, KS., passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, at home. Bill was diagnosed with Stage IV Prostate Cancer on his 72nd birthday, October 23, 2015. 

Bill Norris was born October 23, 1943, in Council Bluffs, IA, the son of Robert Collins and Annabelle Mary Larsen Norris. He lived most of his adult life in Topeka.

Bill was raised in Council Bluffs, IA, and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1961. He served in the United States Air Force from 1962-1966. He earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration Degree from Washburn University of Topeka, Topeka, KS, in 1970.

Bill retired in November 2000, after 34 years as a manager for Southwestern Bell Telephone.

He married Sharon Rosalene Ossman on June 4, 1966, in Topeka, KS. She passed away May 2, 2022.

Bill was a member of Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene at the time of his death. During his adult life he served in church ministry as a church treasurer, church board member, Bible study leader, Sunday School teacher, a men’s fellowship group leader, and intercessory prayer leader. He served as a volunteer for the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex assisting the chaplains and teaching a Bible Study group. 

He was also active in Kairos Torch, a ministry to incarcerated youth from 2001 until he retired in 2018. He served locally and at the Kansas State level in various capacities. He received a Distinguished Service Award from Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene in June 2011; and the first Service Award for Kairos Torch (with wife Sharon), Topeka, in May 2019. In 2020, Wanamaker Woods created a teaching award in honor of Bill, ‘Bill Norris Excellence in Teaching Award’.

He enjoyed Biblical research, fishing, working in the yard and especially jigsaw puzzles.

Bill loved to teach Biblical truths. Because of those truths and God’s promises, he is in Heaven rejoicing with fellow Christians. He is now waiting for the day when family members and friends go to be with him in Heaven.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Norris; parents, Robert and Annabelle Larsen Norris and brother, Robert Norris.

Survivors include three sons - David J. Norris (Megan) of Wichita, KS, Jason J. Norris of Leawood, KS, and Jonathan W. Norris of Topeka, KS; seven grandchildren, Andrew and Joslyn of Topeka, KS, Jacob and Adelle of Wichita, KS and Gavin, Joel and Bodie of Leawood, KS. 

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Gardens. Mr. Norris will lie in state for the gathering of relatives and friends from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 27, 2024 at Dove Cremations & Funerals (37th & Wanamaker).

Memorial contributions may be made to “The Voice of the Martyrs” online at https://www.persecution.com or designated to “The Voice of the Martyrs” and sent to Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, 3501 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka, KS, 66614.