Norman Lawrence Karis

Norman Lawrence Karis, 82 years old, formerly of Clarksburg, WV, passed away Thursday February 5, 2026, at his home in Kokomo, IN. He was born in Clarksburg, WV, on June 1, 1943, the son of the late Samuel “Sam” and Margaret (Lachapelle) Karis.

Norman was a graduate of Victory High School in Clarksburg, WV. He received a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology from West Viriginia University. Norman proudly served our country in the United States Army earning the rank of Sargeant until he was Honorably Discharged. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After his military service, Norman worked at the Trinity House in Marion as an Addiction’s Counselor for a year and a half. Next, he worked as a Behavioral Technician at St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo and an Independent confidential Consultant in Kokomo for 9 years. He was employed by Miami Correctional Facility in September of 1999 as a Substance Abuse Counselor 4. He worked with offenders in that position until October 2000 when he was promoted to an Administrative Assistant. During his years at Miami Correctional Facility, Norman received a Super Star Award and a Star award. These awards are given to staff members that go above and beyond their normal duties.

Norman can be credited with sprucing up the Miami Correctional Facility during his time there. One of his hobbies was gardening so he assisted with the offender gardens in planning vegetables they would grow. He even helped start a pumpkin patch at minimum housing one year. He became known as “the gardening guy” in a monthly column where he contributed gardening tips to the staff in the facility newsletter titled the “Miami Flyer.” Norman’s other hobbies were building model airplanes and target shooting with guns.

He is survived by his sister, Margaret “Peggy” Karis; sister-in-law, Nancy Karis; and a few nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, James “Jimmy” Karis.

Norman will be laid to rest in Grafton National Cemetery in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Cremation has been entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory in Kokomo, IN. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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