John Morris Norred

John Morris Norred, 75, peacefully passed on May 7th, 2023, at his home.

He was born October 11, 1947, in Fairfield, Alabama to John and Annie Ruth (Brandon) Norred. John was the middle child of the family with an older sister and brother and 2 younger sisters and a brother.

When John was 2, the family moved from Alabama to Kansas City, MO. As a young boy he played youth baseball and began his love of planes with toy planes. He attended North Kansas
City High School graduating in 1965 where he participated in wrestling, cross country, and summer baseball. He was a two-time MO state wrestling qualifier placing 3rd in both his junior and senior year. He was inducted into the NKCHS Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1997.

John enlisted in the Army soon after high school. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War being deployed from 1967-69. For his service he earned a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and several sharpshooter badges. His time served overseas deeply impacted his life and in recent years John was rarely seen without proudly wearing his Vietnam service hat out in the community.

He married Linda Diane Spaur on February 14, 1970, welcoming a daughter, Nichole (Nikki) Diane on Nov 28, 1972. He married Cristine Basile on October 3 ,1981 adding a daughter,
Johnna Cristine, to the family on April 7, 1986.

John worked for the Kansas City Southern Railroad for 15 years and then worked as a mechanic for TWA /American Airlines for over 20 years. In his young adult years John played softball and enjoyed skiing, bowling and fishing. In later years he added a love of golf and traveling. He was a master craftsman, and many a family member and friend were blessed to have John build them something in his workshop.

John is survived by his two daughters, Nikki (Brian) Boekhout and Johnna (Christopher) Jenkins. He had 5 grandchildren: Payton (Emma) Boekhout, Palmer Boekhout, Noelle Boekhout, Adalee Jenkins and Briella Jenkins. He also leaves behind his siblings, Sandra (Ron) Cogdill, Linda Norred, Ronnie Norred and Karen Norred. He also has a number of nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was proceeded in death by his wife of over 40 years, Cristine, his parents; Annie and John Norred, his brother Philip, his sister-in-law, Cheryl Norred and his beloved dogs Buffy, Coco and Roxie.

A service honoring John’s life will be held Thursday May 18th at The Calling Community Church. Visitation will be from 5-6:30 with a service following. Internment with military honors will take place at Leavenworth National Cemetery on Friday May 19th at 10:00 AM.