Henry "Sonny" Edwin Norris

Henry “Sonny” Edwin Norris, 76, passed away on September 19, 2025, after a lengthy illness from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.  Sonny was born in Galveston, Texas, on January 5, 1949, but raised in Texas City, Texas.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Amy Michelle Norris; mother, Nellie McClain Norris; father, Johnnie Norris; and brothers Nathan Lee Dorton and John Pittman Norris.  He is survived by his wife, Patricia Casper Norris; son, Michael Brian Norris and wife Miranda; grandchildren, Scott Simmons, Archer Norris, Becket Norris, and Collin Norris; sister, Sheree Wood and husband Glenn of Flagstaff, Arizona; beloved mother-in-law Gracie Casper; brother-and sister-in-law, Jerry and Carol Casper of Lindale, Texas; special cousin, Lisa Fiegel of Galveston; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Sonny served in the U.S. Army Security Agency from 1970-1973 and was a decorated Vietnam veteran (1970-1971).  He was proud to serve his country.  Sonny retired after 34 years from the Deer Park Shell Oil Refinery in 2008 where he was a supervisor in Control Systems. 

He was a very active member of Deer Park Masonic Lodge 1362, serving as Worshipful Master in 1994-1995 and Secretary for over 25 years.  He served on numerous committees as well.  He was also the recipient of the Masonic Lodge Golden Trowel Award in 1999.  Sonny was a member of the Scottish Rites and the Shriners.  As a Shriner, he became a member of the Shriner Clown Jewels and was known as “Alphabet” the clown visiting many sick children at the local Shriner hospitals and participating in many Shriner circuses. 

Sonny was also an avid Astros fan from their very first game in 1962 as the Colt 45’s.  There weren’t many games he didn’t listen to on radio or see on television.  Seeing the Astros playing in person made him a happy man, especially when they won.

Special thanks to the staff (Natasha, Alex, Eurie, and June) at the Vintage Life Personal Care Home in La Porte, Texas, for taking such excellent care of Sonny.  Heartfelt thanks to John Carlson, Keenan Jacobs and Ben Neal for their constant care of and visits with Sonny.

A memorial service will be held on October 18 at 2 p.m. at the Deer Park Funeral Directors funeral home at 336 E San Augustine in Deer Park, TX 77536.  Burial will be private at the Houston National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Shriners Children Hospitals (shrinerschildren.org), Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org), or Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.T2T.org) in Sonny’s name will be appreciated.