Life and Legacy:

Michael was born on December 25, 1957 in Fort Riley, Kansas. He was the second of seven children. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert E. Norris (Brooklyn, NY) and Leola "Betty" Barker Norris
(Jennings, LA). Michael's life afforded him the opportunity to reside on multiple army bases in the U.S. while he was growing up due to his father's career in the army. Eventually, the family settled in Jennings,Louisiana where Michael graduated high school in 1975. In Michael's earlier years, he enjoyed riding and maintaining his motorcycles. He had interests in music, dancing
fishing, hunting, sports, periodic table, and astronomy. He had a natural ability with animals when he found them distressed.
Michael was affectionally known as "Iron Mike" or "Uncle Mike" by his family and friends who knew him
and loved him. He was known as "Bro Mike" by the congregation where he worshiped and loved.  At the time of Michael's death, he was residing in Jennings, LA. He was tall and his presence could not be ignored when he entered a room. He was quiet, compassionate, and kind towards
others. He was generous and did not withhold his time or his talent if he felt a need. He never sought praise for his actions. He had a infectious laugh and enjoyed making people laugh with him. Michael graduated from Jennings High School in 1975. He earned his associate's degree from Central Texas College.

Professional Journey:

Michael began working at an early age working offshore and the shipyard after he completed high school
in Louisiana. Michael enlisted at USARECSTA Fort Dix, NJ as a Senior Aircraft Crewman/Chinook helicopter and eventually became Aircraft maintenance supervisor/Chinook helicopter for over 20 years with tours of duty in Germany (2
yrs), Panama (5 yrs), Iraq, and Korea as well other U.S. army bases.
Michael was part of the 2/158th Aviation Battalion, B Company "Wagonmasters which were Chinhook helicopters.
Their motto was that they hauled "beans and bullets". During wartime, the Wagonmasters flew in formation
similar to covered wagon in western days. Their logo is the helicopters flying in formation like the wagons in the western
days. He was part of the original Wagonmasters. He was only stationed where the Chinooks were
located. Michael earned several medals while serving in the army: Korea Defense Service,
Meritorious Service, Commendation, Good Conduct, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, National
Defense Service, Armed Forces Expeditionary After retirement, Michael was employed by VARCO National Oilfield as an operator on the Ocean Drake offshore for Chevron.

Faith and Service:

As a child, Michael. was taught the importance of honoring God and church. He attended Christ Holiness Sanctified Church were his family attended. As a teenager, he accepted the vows at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. When he retired, he
returned to Jennings, LA, and he resumed his spiritual journey by joining Immanuel Worship Center

where he remained a member until his death. His favorite thing to say to inspire others was "hold on the
rope of faith and do not let go".

Personal:

Michael was survived by three sisters and three brothers: Linda Norris Smith -LA, Cedric R. Norris – LA,
Carmen Yarborough – CA, John F. Norris – TX, Toney Barker – LA, Miesha Lantern – CA, and nephews
and nieces.
Michael met and married his 1 st wife, Ethel Matthews and in their union was born his only child, Omar
Matthews, AK and a granddaughter, Regan Hebert - LA.

Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepard....

Tributes from Siblings
We all love you and will miss you, brother
Linda, Cedric, Carmen, John, Toney and Miesha