David Norris Obituary

David Warner "D.W." Norris, age 93, passed away at Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana on February 23rd 2026 at 3:45pm after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease & Dementia. David was born in Sonora, Kentucky on November 15th, 1932, to Lilie Alice Hornback and Ralph Norris. He married Sylvia Williams on August 14th, 1954, in Key West, Florida.

David & Syliva returned to Columbus, Indiana in 1955 following his naval service and resided here until he and Sylvia retired to Sugarmill Woods, Homosassa, Florida in 2003. They returned to Columbus in 2016 to be nearer to family.

David enlisted in the United States Navy on April 19th, 1951. He served aboard the U.S.S. Wren for a total of four years, visiting 38 foreign ports in all. He received the National Defense Service Ribbon, Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Ribbon, and the Navy Good Conduct Medal. David was honorably discharged on April 5th, 1955, at the US Naval Station in Key West, Florida.

David began his career at Cummins Engine Company in 1955, then opened Norris Shell Service at the corner of Marr & National Road in 1956. In 1979, he began building a new facility on Repp Drive where he opened Norris Automotive Service, Inc. in 1980. Kerry joined his parents in the family business in 1984, and the business continued to thrive for the next 37 years. David & Syliva retired in 2003 and Kerry continued until his retirement in 2021.

David was an avid racing fan and a former race car driver, car owner, crew chief, and enginebuilder. He was the co-founder of the Columbus Speedway / 25th Street Speedway Oldtimers Racing Reunion. Upon his retirement, David discovered his love of golf. He enjoyed golfing at the Sugarmill Woods Country Club, Citrus National Golf Club, and World Woods Golf Club.

David is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Sylvia Norris, sons Kerry (Sharon) and Gary (Laura), granddaughter Jessica Beswick (son Cameron), grandsons Brian (Stephen Dunning), Brad (sons Parker & Reid), and Anthony James "AJ" Norris (Ashleigh), great-grandchildren Cameron Porter, Lauren Norris, and twins Parker & Reid Norris. David is also survived by his sister Alice Williamson (Bill) and cherished niece Alice Faye Lamb (Pete Kaiser) who helped care for David in his final years, along with innumerable extended family members and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Allene Hargett; brother, Robert Norris and daughter-in-law, Laura Norris (wife of Gary).

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at The Belmont Health & RehabilitationCenter for taking excellent care of David after he began his residence there in November 2024. We are profoundly grateful to the nurses and staff at Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana whose compassionate care brought comfort and dignity to David during his final days, and whose extraordinary kindness and support gently carried our family through this difficult time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

In keeping with the family's request, cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held later this year.

Arrangements entrusted to Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.