NORRIS "PUG" C. CROMES, age 103 a lifelong resident of Sidney, passed away Friday, March 3, 2023, at 4:35 PM at Wilson Health. He was born on January 19, 1920, in Sidney, Ohio, the son of the late Ralph V. and Carrie (Short) Cromes. On August 31, 1946, he married Ruth (March) who preceded him in death July 17, 2009.
He is survived by son, Gary (Pat) Cromes of Sidney, grandchildren: Troy Cromes of Sidney, and Mrs. Rachel (Dave) Snow of Dublin, OH, and two great-grandsons: Drew and Dylan Vonderhuevel. He was preceded in death by brother, Lloyd V. Cromes.
Mr. Cromes was a 1938 graduate of Sidney High School. Norris was the quarterback and captain of the Yellow Jackets football team and a member of the basketball team which both went undefeated as Miami Valley League Champions his junior year. That same year, Norris and his double’s partner in tennis, Roger Spreen where runners up in the state championship in Columbus, OH. Following graduation, he served his country as a Propeller Specialist and Airplane Mechanic in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1941 to 1945.
Norris’ father started Cromes Funeral Home; still a family owned and operated business, in 1937. In 1945 he started working at the funeral home. He graduated from the Cincinnati College of Embalming in 1947 along with his brother Lloyd. Together, the two brothers would work for their father and continue the tradition of the funeral home after his passing. After Norris and Lloyd retired, the business was continued by their sons, Gary, and Ralph Cromes.
Mr. Cromes was a life member of Sidney American Legion Post 217, Sidney Elks Lodge, a member of Sidney First United Methodist Church, board member of the former First Federal Savings & Loan, and Temperance Lodge #73 FA&M. In April of 2019 he was awarded a 60-year pin as being a member of the Ancient Council of Royal Arch Masons, and a 50-year pin awarded for being a member of the Grand Commandery.
A Graveside Service, with full military honors by the U.S. Army and American Legion Post 217, will be held Monday, March 13, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Graceland Cemetery with Rev. Dr. David Chivington officiating. Arrangements are in the care of Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Norris may be made to Shelby County Animal Rescue Foundation (SCARF) 610 Gearhart Rd, Sidney, OH 45365. Condolences may be expressed to the Cromes family at www.cromesfh.com