Vernon Lee Norris (Plainview)

Vernon Lee Norris passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026 at Wilshire on Fourth in Lubbock, Texas. Visitation will be held at Kornerstone Funeral Directors on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church Chapel on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors in Plainview, Texas.

Vernon was born July 15, 1939, in Dallas, Oregon to Everett and Margaret Norris. The family moved to Springfield, Oregon when Vernon graduated from high school.

He played halfback for Oregon State's single-wing offense, making the varsity team his sophomore year. Both of the pastors from Springfield and Corvallis were Wayland graduates and highly recommended their alma mater when Vernon decided to go elsewhere. He arrived in Plainview in 1958, attended Wayland, and graduated in August of 1960 with majors in History and Psychology. During his time at Wayland he sang in the International Choir.

He taught History and Psychology at Plainview High School. Except for an 18-month stint as bookstore manager and assistant business manager at Wayland, he was at PHS from 1962-76, also serving as dean.

Vernon earned his master's degrees in History and Government as well in Education at Texas Tech.

He served from 1976-79 as Principal at Highland Elementary before joining the Central Administration staff as Director of Curriculum when Lamont Veach became Superintendent. He later moved up to Assistant Superintendent for most administration and personnel.

Vernon and Kathy Horan Haralson Norris were married on April 5, 1983.

He was active in the community, serving as president of the Plainview Lion's Club in 1989, as a director of the United Way and as a member of the Sanctuary Choir at First Baptist Church. He was an active member of First Baptist Church serving on many committees. He served as president and board member of the Hale County Teachers Federal Credit Union for several years.

After retiring from PISD in 1991, Vernon began another career at Wayland as Director of External Programs and Associate Registrar. The external programs included campuses in Wichita Falls, Lubbock, Amarillo, San Antonio in Texas; Albuquerque and Clovis in New Mexico; Phoenix and Sierra Vista in Arizona; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Anchorage and Fairbanks in Alaska. He worked in the position until 2003. Vernon taught education, government and civics classes for Wayland as an adjunct professor during this time as well.

After his final retirement, he and his wife, Kathy, restored two cabins in New Mexico; one in Ruidoso and another in Cloud Croft where they were active in the May Hill Baptist Church. Vernon led the music, taught a Sunday School class, and was active on many committees.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Vivian Stephens of Springfield, Oregon.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Kathy Horna Haralson Norris of the home; sister-in-law Betty Caudle Horan of Plainview; his children, Kim Massey and husband Bobby of Plainview; Dale Haralson and his wife Shelly of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Dana Haralson Myers and her husband South Dakota; four grandchildren, Breanna Kerschen and husband Ben of Kennedale, Texas, Latham Massey and wife Kaitlyn of Plainview, Maeleigh Haralson of Scottsdale, Arizona, Dr. Madeline Haralson of Ft. Worth, Texas; and three great grandchildren, Gordon and Riley Kerschen of Kennedale, Texas and Laikyn Massey of Plainview.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Interim Hospice of Lubbock.

Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of Plainview, Texas, Boys Ranch, or a charity of your choice.