Wendell Lewis Norris, age 85, passed away on August 11, 2026, in Longview. Born on March 13, 1941, in Sandsprings, Oklahoma to Lewis Basil Norris and Florence Merle Beck, Wendell's journey took him from the fields of Odessa, where he shined as a football player at Ector High School, to the academic halls of Sul Ross University on a football scholarship. While at Sul Ross, he earned his associates degree. Wendell dedicated many years to the construction industry, first as an accountant and later as a general contractor. Beyond his professional life, he was a devoted husband and a loving father, known for his sense of humor, his habit of giving pet names to his loved ones, and his love for books. An ardent supporter of Texas sports teams, especially the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Texas Longhorns, Wendell also carried his love for the community into his support for local 4-H programs.

He leaves behind a loving family: his wife, Vera Luther Norris of Hemphill; son, David Norris and wife, Stephanie, of Franklin, TN; daughters, Kalynn Fouche and husband, Steve, of Dallas, GA, and Kimberly Dodd of Bentonville, AR; stepson, Don Meurer and wife, Brandy, of San Augustine; stepdaughters, Cathy Wells and husband, Frank, of Decatur, and Amy Turner and husband, Dean, of Providence Village; brother, Dale Norris and wife, Sybil, of Malakoff; along with eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Wendell will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street in Hemphill, Texas. Graveside services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Hemphill Cemetery, under the direction of Starr Funeral Home with Bro. Dale Norris officiating. Wendell's life will be remembered as one filled with love, laughter, and dedication to his family and community. Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.