Norris James Bassett, age 85, of Carmel, Indiana, formerly of Dixon and Vienna, was born November 5, 1936, near Dixon, in Maries County, Missouri, a son of Wayne Johnson and Opal Lillian (Doyel) Bassett, and passed from this life Saturday, August 13, 2022, in St. Vincent Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana.

He was united in marriage September 1, 1957, at Vienna, in the old United Methodist Church, to the former Miss Joyce Lee Edwards, and to this union, two sons were born.

Norris was a 1954 graduate of Dixon High School, and after graduation, he continued his education at Rolla School of Mines and Metallurgy (now Missouri University of Science and Technology) obtaining his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1959. After moving to Indiana, Norris received his master's degree in engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, in 1967.

In 1959, he entered federal service in the United States Army Corps of Engineers Reserves, where he served until 1967, when he was honorably discharged at the rank of First Lieutenant (1LT).  A man of excellent character, his "Honorable Discharge" is a testimony of selfless and dedicated service to his country.

Norris was a beloved and dedicated husband, son, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He was a quiet, thoughtful, generous man who had great strength and was always ready and willing to assist those in need. Norris was a former longtime member of Central Christian Church, Anderson, Indiana, where Norris and Joyce lived for fifty years and raised their sons, prior to moving to Carmel, Indiana, for retirement. He loved spending time with family and friends, reading, genealogy, boating, fishing, and astronomy.

After moving to Indiana, he spent his entire working career starting in 1959, with General Motors Corporation, Delco Remy Division, as an electrical engineer, in Anderson, Indiana, retiring in 1992.

Those left to celebrate the life of Mr. Norris J. Bassett include:  His loving wife of 65 years, Joyce Bassett of Carmel, Indiana; his sons Stephen Bassett and wife, Julie, of Austin, Texas, and  Clark Bassett and wife, Jill, of Carmel, Indiana; his grandchildren, Andrew Bassett of Grand Haven, Michigan, Sierra Bassett and husband, Cole Miller, of Austin, Texas, Noah Bassett of Grand Haven, Michigan, Spencer Bassett of Austin, Texas, and Mia Bassett of Carmel, Indiana; his brother, Donald Bassett and wife, Bonnie, of Ballwin, Missouri; his sisters, Janice Rosenburg of Rolla, Missouri, and Arlene Shanks of Vienna, Missouri; his sister-in-law, Colleen Barnhart and husband, John, of Vienna, Missouri; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family members, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Bassett; his mother Opal Bassett; his infant brother; his father-in-law, Ernie Edwards; his mother-in-law, Myrene (Barnhart) Edwards; his brothers-in-law Tom Rosenburg and Lloyd Shanks; and a great-nephew, Blake Wagner.

Memorial funeral services will be held for Mr. Norris J. Bassett at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 5, 2022, in the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home Chapel, 406 South Main Street, Vienna, Missouri 65582. Honorary pallbearers for Mr. Bassett will be his beloved sons and grandchildren:  Stephen Bassett, Clark Bassett, Andrew Bassett, Sierra Bassett, Noah Bassett, Spencer Bassett, and Mia Bassett. Private family inurnment will be in Vienna Public Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Norris J. Bassett are suggested by his family to the National Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.org/donation , Indianapolis St. Vincent Renal Transplant, give.stvincent.org/donate, or the charity of one's choice in lieu of flowers with envelopes available at the funeral home the day of his service or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO 65582.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Mr. Norris J. Bassett at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com