Top horseman Gordon Norris passes, age 87

Columbus, OH – Harness racing owner, breeder and trainer, Gordon E. Norris, age 87, of Plymouth, formerly of Fowlerville and Pompano, Florida, passed away September 8, 2020. He was born on June 18, 1933 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; son of Charles and Thelma (nee Nelson) Norris. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1953 – 1955.

Gordon was united in marriage to Diane L. Norris, they were together for 52 years until her death on April 25, 2019. Gordon was a harness horse owner, trainer, and driver his entire life.  He owned a horse farm in Fowlerville where he trained standardbred horses; his horses raced all over North America.  Gordon won numerous top trainer awards throughout the years and was inducted into both the Michigan and Florida Horse Trainer and Driver Halls of Fame.

He was a member of MHHA and Florida Breeders and the USTA. Gordon retired from the horse business after a long successful career at the age of 79. Gordon had a strong faith.  He loved to read the bible and attend church services of all denominations.  His whole life revolved around horses and the bible.  A sports fan, he liked watching football and baseball.  Gordon’s greatest joy was his family, he enjoyed spending time with them on the farm barbecuing.

He was protective, generous, dedicated, and took wonderful care of his family.  He led by example and taught his children to have a good work ethic.  Gordon was a kind soul and loved his family deeply. Gordon is survived by his loving children, Robin (Terry) Merriman, Denise (Pete) Benson, Thelma (Norm) Kubitskey, Kim Gorshe, Mike (Kimberly) Gorshe, and Sara Cool; his grandchildren, Jamie, Jason, Daniel, Diana, Jordan, Brendon, Kristy, Travis, and Dylan; and 5 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his daughter Kathy Mapes, his parents, his brothers Charles Jr. and Lawrence and his sisters Lillian and Lottie.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 14, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 6:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  Mr. Norris will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Fowlerville, Michigan.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or Standardbred Retirement Foundation, 42 Arneytown-Hornerstown Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514.

Due to the limitation of COVID 19 we are only allowed a maximum number of people inside the funeral home. You may be asked to wait before entering, we appreciate your patience.  We are asking visitors to wear masks and practice social distancing.  If you are experiencing signs of cold or flu symptoms, please refrain from attending. During this difficult time, please make sure to reach out to the family by leaving your thoughts online, with a card or a phone call.

From the USTA