Robert Harold Norris Sr.

Robert Harold Norris Sr. was born on March 26, 1952, in Kerrville, Texas. Soon after, his parents, Lawrence E. Norris Sr. and Rosie Lee Kelley McCray, relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. Robert was affectionately called “Bobby” by his family and “Bob” by co-workers and friends. He graduated from Westport High School in 1970 and briefly attended the University of Missouri in Columbia.

In the late 1970s, Robert returned to Texas with his then-wife, Diane. He worked in the oil fields and at Mooney Aircraft before moving back to Kansas City to start their family. He drove his black Volkswagen Bug, “Rasputin,” which famously carried them from Texas to Missouri even when the brakes failed. Robert later went to work for the Kansas City Water Department and then Butler Manufacturing, where he retired after 37 years.

As a young boy, Robert played the clarinet and saxophone. He was part of the Westport High School wrestling and football teams, as well as the marching band.

Robert’s love of sports continued throughout his life. His longtime softball team, The Mob, won the Kansas City Parks and Recreation League Championship in 1985. In 1999, he won another trophy with The Regulators. He loved time on the field and in the stands and was a passionate Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan.

Robert continued to play saxophone into adulthood and especially loved playing for his grandchildren. His love for family, music, and humor shone in his daily social media posts.

In 2014, Robert co-founded Corey’s Network, Inc. with his wife, Michelle (“Shelley”), in memory of their son, Corey Laykovich. Together they provided immediate support and advocacy for more than 700 families of homicide victims. Robert helped contribute to over 475 funerals in the Kansas City metropolitan area and spent countless hours researching and identifying 695 unsolved homicides since 1970. He was instrumental in creating a network of community services to support families after the tragedy of violent loss.

Mr. Robert H. Norris Sr. passed away on October 11, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital, surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence E. Norris Sr. and Rosie Lee Kelley McCray; his brother, Lawrence E. Norris Jr.; and his son, Corey Laykovich.

He leaves behind a loving family: his wife, Michelle “Shelley” Norris; his aunt, Mabel Neal; his brothers, Danny (Matea), David (Rebecca), James (Michaela), and Donnell (Rachel) Norris; his sisters, Gail Scott, Annette Norris-Gregory, and Darlene Norris-Brown. He is also survived by Diane Norris, mother of his children Robert H. Hoyt-Norris Jr. (Zachary), Natalie Danner (David), and Phillip R. Norris (Lauren); by children Jayk Laykovich and Evris Oake; and by Dena Norris, mother of his grandchildren Catalina and Rocco Norris. Additional grandchildren include Phillip Jr. and Konan Craig Norris, and Rowan, Mags, and Oliver Hoyt, as well as Legend Benicio Danner. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday October 21, 2025, visitation will be from 10 A.M. - 11 A.M. with services beginning at 11 A.M. at Central Assembly of God 1009 W. 23rd St. Independence, MO 64055.

Private Disposition