Jerry Paul Norris, 78, Salina, entered eternal rest on Friday, September 29, 2023, at home, surrounded by family and friends.

Jerry was born March 3, 1945, to Israel and Esther (Swan) Norris in Beloit, Kansas.

Jerry, the loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Polly, of the home; his children, Darin, Brady, Jenny Burch (Allen), Chris (Megan), Curt, and Craig (Meghan); 19 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; a host of family members; and his faithful companions, Jazzy, and Tigger.

On June 5, 1970, Jerry married Connie Lundy. From this union, they were blessed with Jenny and Chris.

He then married Sharon Bender, on November 28, 1977. From the union, they were blessed with Curt and Craig. Together, Jerry and Sharon raised a total of 7 children together during their 40 plus years together.

Jerry was a Drug and Alcohol Counselor for over 30 years, committed his life into the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was the manager of 3 different men’s halfway houses in Salina, retiring in 2010.

Jerry lost the love of his life, Sharon, on September 22, 2018.

On October 19, 2019, he continued his life and married Polly, surrounded by their AA family.

Jerry had the personality and charisma everyone wanted to be around every day, no matter what. He never met a stranger, a man of true integrity. He never expected from anyone else what he hadn’t done himself. He remained in gratitude and his passing leaves and unfillable gap in all who knew and loved him. To know Jerry was to love him just as he was. He was an amazing teacher, friend, parent, mentor, husband, coach, and the list could go on and on.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; son, Brian; parents, and brothers, Curt, Bob; sisters, Theda Williams, and Lea Stelter.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Friday, October 13, 2023, at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm, October 14, 2023 at Church of the Cross United Methodist, at 1600 Rush St, Salina.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the funeral home for funeral expenses.