Norris Rees
Norris Smith Rees, 88, Topeka, died Jan. 12, 2002. He was born May 27, 1913, son of John G. and Nora Rees. Norris had four brothers: John, Harry, Ralph, and Morris (Norris' twin), all are deceased. He had four sisters: Elizabeth Meltzer, Martha Sherman (both deceased), Thelma McHenry of Topeka, and Ruth Sprenger of San Lorenzo, Calif.
Rees attended Mount Hope Rural School and graduated from Seaman High School in 1932. In 1933, he and his brother, Morris, opened and operated a grocery store in North Topeka until 1942. He purchased the Meriden IGA in 1939 and operated it until he sold it in 1973. Norris purchased the current Rees Fruit Farm property in 1951 and was active in the operation of the farm until his death.
He also served in the Kansas State Guard, First Division.
He was active in his community and church. He was a member of the Grantville United Methodist Church were he served on many boards and taught many adult Sunday School classes. He also served on the Grantville Cemetery board, Grantville school board, was president of the Kansas State Horticulture Department, and was a member of the Meriden Masonic Lodge for many years.
He married Lucille Jones Aug. 9, 1936. She died June 27, 1952. They had three children: Richard Rees, Jack Rees, both of Grantville, and Jean Cassell of Tucson, Ariz.
Rees was married to Rachel Sayre Aug. 14, 1955. They had one son, Rex Rees of Topeka. He also has 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at the Grantville United Methodist Church.
Interment was in Grantville Cemetery.
