St. Charles native and well-known philanthropist Robert C. “Bob” Norris passed away on Sunday, November 3rd at the age of 90. Born in St. Charles in 1929 to Lester and Dellora Norris, Bob Norris built his own distinct legacy out west. Following in his parents' footsteps, Norris continued the tradition of giving back to his hometown, creating a legacy in Colorado and Arizona. Norris also led an interesting life. After moving to Colorado and taking up ranching in the 1950s, Norris was asked to be one of the first "Marlboro Man" models, appearing in ads for the cigarette brand around the country for years. Ironically, Norris never smoked a day in his life. Norris even helped save and nurse an abandoned elephant back to health on his ranch in the 1980s, a story which was documented in the 2001 novel, A Cowboy and his Elephant.
Read more about Norris’ life and legacy on his ranch’s website here
Bob Norris, 1929-2019 Photo: Tee Cross Ranches
