Allen M. Norris, 91, of Elkhart, died on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Hubbard Hill Estates in Elkhart, Indiana.

Allen was born in Elkhart on July 1, 1932, to the late Dr. Ernest B. and Mary Lois (Givens) Norris. After meeting on a blind date, Allen married the former Rose Mary Weeber, and their loving marriage lasted over 40 years until Rose Mary's death in 1994.

Allen began studying piano at age four while living in Shipshewana, IN. He grew up in Middlebury, IN and graduated from Middlebury High School in 1950. He attended Interlochen All-State Piano Institute in 1949 and 1950, graduated from the University of Michigan School of Music with a bachelor's degree in 1954, and a master's degree in Piano Performance in 1955. He served with the U.S. Army in the Counterintelligence Corps in Stuttgart, Germany from 1956-1958, where many lifelong friendships were developed.  After returning to Elkhart, he worked with Excel Corporation (1958-1964) and then began a 32-year career with The Selmer Company.

Throughout his lifetime Allen's love of music was expressed in a variety of ways.  Countless students came to the home for private piano lessons, and he also taught piano as an adjunct faculty member at Indiana University South Bend Division of Music. He was an active member of The Elkhart Symphony serving several terms as president, board member, staff pianist and guest soloist.  He served as the music director for Elkhart Civic Theatre's productions of The Fantasticks, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Music Man, My Fair Lady, The King and I, and The Sound of Music. As a concert pianist, he performed several piano recitals throughout the Michiana area. Two benefit performances fulfilled a wish Rose Mary had expressed for an elevator at the Midwest Museum of American Art. He was a member of New Horizons Band of Elkhart, and was conductor, arranger, and pianist for Elkhart's Swingin' Senior Saxes & Company. He composed several individual songs and piano pieces, including the music for Heavenly Days, a musical play written by his second wife, Betty Plunkett, who survives.  His love of music continued at Hubbard Hill where he frequently played for his own enjoyment (as well as all those lucky enough to be within earshot), and played his lifelong encore, Danny Boy, just 10 days before his passing.

Allen was a member of the Elkhart Lions Club, the University of Michigan Alumni Association, the Delta Chapter of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance. He was also an avid fisherman and spent many days at Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, IN and Birch Lake in Michigan.  Recognizing the importance of education, Allen and Rose Mary supported their grandchildren's college educations at Indiana University, even though they were both loyal University of Michigan grads (GO BLUE!)

Survivors include his two daughters: Kathryn Rose (John B.) Allen-Wantz and Mary Sue (Philip L.) McAlister, both of Indianapolis; three grandchildren, Amy Rose Allen of Indianapolis, Andrew Norris McAlister (Tim Hecox) of Portland, OR, and Scott Edward McAlister (Dennis Sullivan) of Chicago, IL. His sister, Sue Ann Norris Dufour of Elkhart, along with several nieces and nephews, also survive.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Jeffrey O. Allen, brothers-in-law Dr. A.C. "Duffy" Dufour and Carl K. "Eddy" Edwards, Richard "Sonny" Weeber, and sister-in law, Ruth Weeber Edwards.

Services for Allen will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Hubbard Hill Estates, 28070 County Road 24 in Elkhart. Visitation will begin at noon followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm. Rev. Dr. John B. Wantz will officiate. Internment with military honors will be at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions in memory of Allen may be made to the Elkhart Civic Theatre, 210 E. Vistula St., Bristol, IN  46507.

Elkhart Civic Theatre
P.O. Box 252, Bristol IN 46507
Web: http://www.elkhartcivictheatre.org