Norris N. Loyd, 90, of rural White Cloud, died Monday morning, October 5, 2015, at the North Pines in Hiawatha, surrounded by his family.

Norris was born at Hiawatha, July 16, 1925, one of three sons born to Glenn and Hazel Bearce Loyd and had lived nearly all of his life in the Brown and Doniphan county area. He grew up near Hiawatha where he attended school, later graduating from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1943. Norris later graduated from Florida State College at Tallahassee, Florida, with an Associate of Arts Degree. He was an Air Force veteran of World War II. Norris returned to this area where he farmed, truck driver and heavy equipment operator for White Cloud Grain. After he retired, Norris sold real estate for King Reality in Hiawatha.

Norris was very active within the community: a member of Zion United Methodist Church, northeast of Robinson, where he sang in the choir; Men’s Area Fellowship; Masonic Lodge #35, AF&AM, Zenith Chapter #184, OES; BPOE #1741, Elks Lodge, and the Amateur Radio Club, all of Hiawatha. Norris was also a member of the American Legion Post #154 of White Cloud; and the Moila Shrine, and the Drum and Bugle Corp of the Shrine. He served on the board for Doniphan County Sheltered Workshop; was involved with Camp Courage; and Heifer Project in Mexico. He also enjoyed being Santa Claus, his many friends he developed with the Ham Radio, photography, computers, bowling, and singing.

He married Eva Sabbert, December 28, 1947, at the Zion Church. They farmed near White Cloud many years where they raised their family. Eva preceded him in death May 27, 1999. Norris was also preceded in death by his parents; bothers: Eugene and Donald; grandson Eric Blanton; two sons in law: William M. Blanton and Kenneth Christopher.

Survivors include three daughters: Charlott Blanton-Hall (Fred) of rural Robinson, Virginia Christopher Higginbotham (Charlie) of Wathena, Dorothy Loyd (Donna) of Lenexa, KS; seven grandchildren: Angela Glaves, Robin Gilbert, Joshua Christopher, Mandy Rockey, Matthew Christopher, Mark Christopher, and Peter Blanton; seventeen great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Norris’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, October 10, at Zion United Methodist Church, northeast of Robinson, with Pastor Paul Waters officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha, with military honors.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Friday. Masonic Committal Services will be conducted at 6 p.m. Friday, followed by the family visiting with friends until 8.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Ozanam Homeless Project, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com