Pastor Bruce Norris was born in Riverside, CA on September 10, 1958. He was the second of four children born to Carl and Bonnie Norris. Growing up in an Air Force family, he had the opportunity to live in many countries and US cities, including Greece, Taiwan, San Antonio, TX and Omaha, NE. Bruce chose to follow in his family's footsteps and joined the United States Air Force.
After graduating with a degree in computer science, he began his Information Technology (IT) career. He has worked for PVPL in Omaha, NE; Tnemec in Kansas City, MO; Veterans United in Lenexa, KS; and Med4Home (Lincare) in Kansas City, MO.
Bruce had a love for music from an early age - singing and playing various instruments, such as the keyboard and guitar. He was always learning new songs and was willing to teach others how to play music.
Bruce also loved baseball. Having played it in his earlier years, he had a special fondness for college baseball.
More importantly, Bruce loved the Lord! Upon accepting the call to ministry, he received his ministerial license from Salem Baptist Church in Omaha, NE, where he served as a minister. While at Salem, he taught many classes, including spiritual gifts and evangelism. He later became ordained as a pastor. It was during this time, he met his wife, Yvette.
He later moved to the Kansas City area. It was in Kansas City that his desire to go deeper into God's word grew. He enrolled in Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor's in Biblical Studies.
Bruce had a love for writing. Serving as a writer for Revive! Omaha magazine, he wrote many articles that encouraged and lead others to live the life God has for them, and know they are loved and highly favored by God.
Bruce and Yvette married in 2013. Upon the Lord's direction, they began attending Lenexa Baptist Church - becoming members in 2017. While at Lenexa Baptist Church, Bruce became involved in the Gracious Promises prison ministry where he had the opportunity to share God's love, mercy and grace.
Bruce was a very generous person. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and share what he had. He never wanted any recognition or accolades for "doing God's work". He always gave God the glory!
He was preceded in death by his father, Carl F. Norris.
He leaves to carrying on his legacy and tell his story: his wife Yvette; his mother Bonnie; his brothers, Carl and Bryan (Sherry); his sister Beverly; his children, Bruce Jr, Melyssa and Lillian; his nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends.
Funeral Services will be 10:30 am Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at the Lenexa Baptist Church 15320 West 87th St. Lenexa, KS. 66219
Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30, Tuesday, prior to the service at the church
Burial will be at the National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS