Craig L. Norris

NORRIS, Craig L. of Germantown, OH, age 69, passed away on April 4, 2024. Craig was a proud member of the Fairmont East High School class of 1973, where he played first base on the baseball team for his beloved Coach Chapman, and was the favored “sixth man” on the basketball team for Coach Palumbo.  His baseball team was the runner-up in the state baseball tournament in 1971.  He and his teammates remained lifelong friends, having lunch together on a regular basis.   Craig attended and obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton in 1977, where he played on the Flyers baseball team. In 2023, Craig retired from the Montgomery County Engineer’s Office as a Traffic Control Superintendent after 46 years of service. Craig forged many special bonds with County colleagues and co-workers.

Craig was an active member of the Dayton Agonis Club, where he enjoyed the laughter and story-telling of the brotherhood of “broken down athletes”.  He was a member of the University of Dayton’s Varsity “D” Club.  Craig enjoyed golfing and played in Jamaica Run’s Thursday night golf league for many years.  Craig was an avid sports fan, and enthusiastically followed the Tennessee Volunteers, UD Flyers and the Cincinnati Reds.  Craig had a houseboat for many years and loved spending summer weekends on the lake boating and waterskiing with his many friends. He enjoyed traveling to Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Lake Cumberland, and was known for his “Which way to the beach?” muscle-man pose.

Craig was preceded in death by his father, Leland V. Norris, Jr (Junior).  He is survived by his long-time love, Deb Norris; mother, Marilyn Norris; sisters, Linda (Stuart) Petersen of Kettering, and Patty (Bob) Baird of Bellbrook; brother, John “JD” Norris of Dayton; niece Lisa (Andy) Snyder and nephews Joe and John Norris; his faithful dogs, Bronco and Bernice; and friends and relatives too numerous to mention. 

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 4:00-6:00PM with a funeral service to follow at 6:00PM at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, OH 45429.  

Craig was an animal lover and rescued innumerable dogs over the years. In lieu of flowers, it was Craig’s wish that donations be made to the Preble County Humane Society, 951 S. Barron St, Eaton, OH 45320. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.routsong.com.