Gene Lee Norris

Gene Lee Norris was born on November 2, 1950, sharing his birthday with his twin sister Rhonda in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His family consisted of his mother Laura Ann (Keeling) Norris, older sister Margie, older brother Elwood and Rhonda. They moved around Oklahoma from Flint Creek on the eastern border as far as Guymon in the panhandle. Settling in Cleveland in the early 1950ís, is where most of his cousins and extended family resided. Gene received his education in Cleveland graduating with the Class of 1968. Soon as school was over he started working on pipelines, oil field and several other labor intensive jobs. Through a relationship with Dulcie Roach in 1969, a daughter was born Alicia. Gene later met Tella Christina Gilmore in 1970 and the two were united in marriage on January 9, 1971 in Cleveland, Oklahoma. On September 8th of that year his son Jason was born. About three years later on October 11, 1974, his daughter Christen joined the family. The Norris family was complete and all the fun and joy of having perfect children began. After another couple of decades the perfect grandchildren started showing up and things just could not have been much better. Gene worked for Kerr Glass Manufacturing for over 20 years when the facility closed in 1993. Gene returned working on the pipeline as well as other building trades until his health problems slowed him down in 2000. His remaining years were mostly spent being around family and friends that he really loved and enjoyed dearly. Gene would often get his guitar and sing with his family which gave him much pleasure. Working in the garden and growing flowers was also a very enjoyable time for Gene. He always grew tomatoes and squash for everyone to enjoy. Survivors are his wife, Tella Norris of the home; three children Alicia Marie Roach of Fairfax, Oklahoma, Jason Gene Lee Norris and his wife Angela of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Christen Rochelle Norris of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; brother Elwood Norris and his wife May of Cleveland, Oklahoma, twin sister Rhonda Simmons and her husband Tom of Mountain View, Arkansas; seven grandchildren Christopher Ray West, Kendall Lee West, Jessica Bautista, David Munoz, Jaryd Munoz, Haylee Jo Alexander, Jake Wyatt Norris; four great grandchildren Quentin James West, Wyatt Shaw West, Jordan Bautista and Jasmyn Bautista; special nieces Barbara Stokes of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Mary Hughes of Cleveland, Oklahoma and his favorite mini dachsuand Rosie as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his mother Laura Ann Norris and sister, Margie Nell Hughes. Services will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, November 30, 2013 at Chapman-Black Funeral Home.