Howard Johnson (Norris) Norris

Howard went peacefully into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the afternoon of January 25, 2022 at the age of 100. He was born May 30th, 1921 to Alfred Johnson Norris and Dora Mae Norris in Glendora, CA.

He graduated from Citrus Union High School in Glendora and started a banking career at the age of 19 with the Bank of America in San Dimas, CA. He completed four years of study, and several graduate courses, with the American Institute of Banking, and also completed courses in accounting with the Scranton International Correspondence School in Scranton, PA.

Howard was a WW II veteran, having served in the 92nd Signal Battalion of the U.S. Army from October 1942 to December 1945. He began his service in the United States, then in December 1943 departed to the European Theater, serving in Northern Ireland, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. His last assignment before honorable discharge was in Vienna, Austria where he performed the duties of First Sergeant.

Starting before his time of military service, and continuing after his discharge, Howard worked for the Bank of America for a total of 43 years, retiring as a Vice President, specializing in real estate loan administration. He served in branch offices in San Dimas, City of Industry, North Upland, Azusa-Gladstone, and Claremont, CA. Upon his retirement he earned a real estate license and worked for Century 21 for a time, before returning to the banking world, joining Vineyard National Bank in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. There he served for 10 years and was Vice President/Compliance Officer.

Howard and Diana enjoyed traveling together, visiting Europe and Israel several times. For many years, they also enjoyed cruising with friends on their Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, towing a matching trailer, and once riding as far as Branson, Missouri.
Everyone knew that the defining force in Howard's life was his commitment to his beloved Lord Jesus Christ. In all his ways, Howard strove to reflect the love and integrity of Jesus. Each morning he began his day by reading from God's Word, and he and Diana memorized countless passages of Scripture over the years. It was a joy to hear them fully recite Psalm 91 together.

Howard and Diana enjoyed living in the beautiful Sun Lakes Country Club Community for nearly 25 years. A couple of years ago both Howard and Diana developed health issues, necessitating a move into skilled nursing at Cherry Valley Healthcare. The family expresses heartfelt thanks to all of the wonderful and loving caregivers at Cherry Valley Healthcare.

Howard is survived by his wife Diana of 47 years; his daughter Janet Norris Miller (James) of Nine Mile Falls, WA; Grandson Richard Todd Meyer (Theresa) of Spokane Valley, WA, brother-in-law Chuck Payne (Robin) of Napa, CA, and many loving and kind friends. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. He is pre-deceased by his parents, sister Edith "May", niece Carol, and his post-war bride Betty.

Graveside Memorial Service, with military honors, is planned for Friday, April 22nd at 2:15 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, with Dr. Mark Rogers, Senior Pastor of Fellowship Church, Beaumont, CA officiating. Wiefels & Son Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Howard would be grateful to have any memorial contributions directed to Fellowship Church, Beaumont, CA.

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