Lewis Falson Norris

Lewis Falson Norris, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 90, surrounded by family, on Tuesday February 16, 2016 in Austin, Texas. He was born to Charlie and Theresa Hinde Norris in Breckenridge Texas in 1925. Lewis excelled at Kermit High School serving as Student Council President, lettering in football and basketball, and playing drums in KHS marching band. Compelled by the attack on Pearl Harbor, he served in the US Navy aboard the USS Houston and at Kanoehe Bay Naval base in Honolulu, Hawaii. He returned from the service to graduate from Sul Ross University.

Lewis discovered his passion for cooking when he married Jean Marcell and joined the family restaurant business. As owner-operator of Marcell's cafeteria in downtown Waco, Lewis provided hundreds of meals every day for over 20 years. He became Director of Food Services for both Waco ISD and Temple ISD where he was a champion for children's nutrition.

Lewis will be remembered by friends and family as the guiding force behind many wonderful meals, especially his signature BBQ and Cajun cuisine. Lewis loved to throw parties, including everyone's favorite New Years Eve dinner dance. Always the host, he built a tiki bar in his living room and mixed his own party music on reel-to-reel players.

His love for family and friends was full of grace and generosity. He continued to care for and comfort us up until his last hours.

He is survived by his children, Bob Norris of Georgetown, TX; Randy Norris of Austin, TX and Theresa Norris Evers of Pasadena, TX; grandchildren Chris, Keith, Lindsay, Aaron, Luke, Meredith, Clayton and Travis; great grandchildren Jamie and Braedan; sister-in-law Fannie Bess Norris, as well as numerous nieces and nephews that he cared for as his own.

The family extends deep gratitude to the amazing caregivers at Belmont Village in Austin and at St. Elizabeth Place in Waco.

Those who wish to honor Lewis can donate to Pacific Historic Parks, supporting the National Parks Service and preserving the history of World War II in the Pacific, at http://www.pacifichistoricparks.org

Cards and letters can be sent to The Norris Family, 406 Riley Road, Austin, TX 78746. A family memorial service will be held Saturday February 20th.