Norris Caves

Norris Caves

Oskaloosa. Norris Caves, 90, of Oskaloosa, died Sunday, January 23, 2011, at the Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. He was born on August 11, 1920, at Birmingham, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Nell Norris Caves. He graduated from the Birmingham High School with the class of 1938. He entered the United States Army on August 8, 1942. He was inducted at Ft. Leavenworth, Texas; from there he was sent to Camp Davis, North Carolina for boot camp with the 553rd Field Artillery for two years. Norris left Camp Killmer, New Jersey for LeHarve, France, in March of 1944, for overseas duty with the occupational troops guarding the German prisoners and patrolling the border between France and Germany. Norris received the Good Conduct Medal. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Norris attended college on the G.I. Bill. On February 15, 1948, he was united in marriage to Loretta De Witt at Lacey. He moved to a farm north of Oskaloosa in 1947, a farm he later purchased. Norris retired from farming full time in 2000 when his son Steve took over the operation. Though not actively farming, he continued to keep up on the markets, he enjoyed listening to, and discussing them any chance he could. Early on he enjoyed playing pool and vacationing with his family. Norris also enjoyed fishing, especially with his neighbor; watching football; being on his farm; long rides in the country; and playing cards. He was a very talented horseshoe thrower, one year he was the champion of his class at the Iowa State Fair. He delighted in spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene, the Oskaloosa American Legion Post #34 and the Elks Lodge in Oskaloosa.

His family includes his wife of over 62 years, Loretta Caves of Oskaloosa; two daughters: Gloria Stam of Oskaloosa, and Cindy (& Paul) Johnston of Ankeny; a son and his wife: Steve and Judy Caves of Oskaloosa; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.

Norris was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother: Jack Caves.

Funeral services for Norris Caves will be held Thursday, January 27, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Ralph Sprunk and Reverend David Childers officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Graveside Military Honors will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion, V.F.W. and D.A.V. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Wednesday after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-8 Wednesday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Hospice Serenity House or Nazarene World Missions.

Source: Bates Funeral Chapel