Norris Robert Andersen, 78, was called to his heavenly home on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Salina Regional Health Center. He was born on January 9, 1947 in Concordia, KS to George Austin and Anna Rosebud Palmquist Andersen.
Norris graduated from Concordia High School in 1965 and graduated from Beloit Vo-Tech in diesel mechanics in 1966. Later that same year, Norris married his high school sweetheart Lois Hayden Andersen on Dec. 30, 1966. Together they spent their early years of marriage in California, while Norris served in the United States Air Force. In 1970, they returned to Kansas and started their family, and to this union were born two daughters. Norris & Lois enjoyed every minute they had together, participating in racing events for their 44 years of marriage.
On December 21, 2019, Norris married the second love of his life, Pamela Petersen Dyer Andersen. They made the most of the years they shared together; making memories with road trips, working on the farm and celebrating life with exciting adventures. They loved life together and spending time with Pamela’s kids and grandkids whom Norris loved and adored as his own.
Norris was employed at Foley Tractor before enlisting in the USAF, where he spent a lot of his time overseas servicing SR 71 Jets. Norris worked for the Natural Gas and Pipeline of America after that for 30 plus years. He had a partnership in a dyno shop in Manhattan, Ks where he hobbied working on motors. He also worked at Thummel Real Estate & Auction where he was still employed part time as a Real Estate Agent.
Norris was known for his love of speed, whether it was on the track or the local highways, Norris always found a way to participate in racing of all kinds. He was a world record holder at Bonneville, racing his 1949 Studebaker, number 898. He had a love for cars and had a beautiful collection that he loved to show off. Norris would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need, he was known by many and loved by all. Norris could be found at the local Mexican restaurant for breakfast every morning, where he would visit with friends on a daily basis. His stories were one of a kind and orneriness ran through his veins. He will be dearly missed.
Norris is survived by his wife Pamela, daughter Tiffany Tholen & husband Greg of Wichita, and daughter Lori Orth & husband Steve of Wichita. Sister Jeanette Bergeson of Salina, KS. Grandchildren Tatum, Brooke, Olivia and Henry. Several cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends that were like family.
Norris was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, a sister, and first wife Lois.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home in Concordia, KS.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Brown Grand Theatre, Concordia, Ks with Pastor Earl Hale officiating.
Burial will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, Ks.
Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and American Legion Post #76.
The family and friends will gather for a luncheon immediately following the Service at the American Legion Post 76, Concordia, Kansas for fellowship and to share memories of Norris’s life.
The family suggests memorials to the Amercian Legion Post 76, Concordia, Kansas 66901 in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, Ks 66901. For online condolences please visit, www.chaputbuoy.com.