Samuel J. Norris, 78, passed away on February 12, 2023, at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville. He was born July 18, 1944, in Muncie, Indiana to the late Ralph Norris and Laverne (Whitlock) Norris Ables.

Sam lived his entire life in Muncie and was a 1962 graduate of Muncie Central High School.  He married his high school sweetheart, Jana D. Stautamoyer, on February 7, 1964.  She survives.  They recently celebrated their 59th Wedding Anniversary. After high school, Sam started his lifelong career as a weldor at Diamond Welding.  In 1976, Sam and Jana established Weldors, Inc., which they owned and operated until his death.  Sam was highly respected in the Midwest for his artistry in running a bead, expertise in powder metallurgy, fabrication, and welding repair, including repair of machinery, forging, pressing, heat treating, and stamping and roll forming of metal. He was a member of the American Society for Metals (ASM) and the American Welding Society (AWS.)  Sam loved welding and a highlight of his career was welding components for a USA Bobsled for the Winter Olympics.  He was determined to continue welding and finished a customer's job, running his last bead on February 2.

Sam enjoyed trains, of all types and sizes.  He collected model trains and knew every railroad track and type of train that ran through Delaware County.  A favorite pastime was to drive around Muncie with a captive audience and follow trains from crossing to crossing to just sit, wait, and watch the same train go by.  One time, he was having dinner along Kilgore Avenue and a train was stopped on the tracks across the street from the restaurant.   Sam went over and introduced himself to the conductor who invited him to climb aboard.  He waved as the train took off with him and yelled get the van and follow the train.  He was eventually retrieved at the Perkins Street crossing.

Sam collected and restored army vehicles, and enjoyed attending military vehicle shows and driving his vehicles in parades.  He was an active member of the Indiana Military Vehicle Preservation Association (INMVPA), holding numerous officer positions.

His sense of humor will be missed.

Survivors are his wife, Jana; Son, Shane Norris (Stephanie); Daughter, Shelley Norris; Two Grandchildren, Nate Norris (Haley) and Ryann Norris (Andrew); Sister, Linda Lindsey (Harold); Sisters-in-law, Paulette Stautamoyer and Gail Stautamoyer; as well as several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, father-in-law, Joe Stautamoyer, mother-in-law, Nada Stautamoyer, and brother-in-law David Stautamoyer.

At Sam's request, there will be no funeral.  A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Cowan Lions Club, 607 W Malissa Ave Muncie IN 47302. Parson Mortuary is in charge of all arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Indiana Military Vehicle Preservation Association (INMVPA.) at  Jim Carter Treasurer INMVPA PO Box 147 Whitestown, IN 46075