Larry Dean Norris, 68, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on August 27, 2019, at Brookdale Overland Park. He was born on March 29, 1951, in Topeka, Kansas, to Clyde and Betty (Traxler) Norris. Larry graduated from Shawnee Heights in Topeka and then attended Washburn University. His career focused on the world of trucking and automotive industries. He began with Yellow Freight and was one of the first drivers to be promoted to manager.

With older brother Ken Norris they created an automotive business where Larry worked for many years, and Larry retired from his last employer, Brown Industries in Lawrence, Kansas, where he was national sales manager for a company that sells customized truck bodies. He spent the majority of his life as a resident of Shawnee, Kansas. Larry married Terry Culbertson Carney of Overland Park on April 24, 2012. Before they eloped to Las Vegas, Larry asked for permission to marry her from her 85-year-old father and was told, "I think she' s already married to a really tall guy named Larry."

Throughout his life, Larry was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting in his younger years, then moved his interest to riding his bicycle for many miles each week. He had particular interest in photography, and his talent in that area is evidenced by many wonderful photos. At 6'7" Larry was an outstanding basketball player. A knee injury in football prevented him from attending Oklahoma State University on a full scholarship. Above all, Larry loved music,. In high school he played football, then joined the marching band at half time. He substituted for the church organist whenever she was absent. Music was the source of his greatest joy and peace. His sense of humor was just frosting on the cake.

Larry is survived by his wife, Terry; his children Megan Norris Hodges (Blake) of Prairie Village, and Camden Norris (Lindsay) of Olathe; his brother, Ken Norris (Doris) of Aledo, Texas; the first set of four grandchildren, Oliver and Charlotte Hodges, and Harrison and Evelyn Norris; stepchildren Annie Culbertson Carolla (Rob) of Dallas, Texas and Chris Culbertson (Mandy) of Overland Park; and his second set of grandchildren, Carson and Parker Carolla of Dallas. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019, at 2:00 pm at Penwell-Gabel Olathe Chapel, with visitation and a reception to follow.


The family suggests memorials to the American Liver Foundation.