Newspaper SOURCE "The Sacramento Bee" for June 27 and 28, 2009

NORRIS, Archie Baker ''A.B.'' entered into eternal rest peacefully in his Sacramento residence on June 17, 2009, at age 88. Born in Marion, Ill., to William and Ora Norris. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Marge. He is survived by daughters Kathi and husband Bob and Judith and partner John, and son James and wife Deborah.

Affectionately known as ''Paw Paw'' to his grandchildren Camille and husband Pete, Debra and husband Scott, Daria and husband Dan, Cara and husband Tommy, Dan and Josh, Natalie, and Kelsey. Great-grandfather of Callie, Jillian, Collin, Gracyn, Isaiah, and Maddie.

Archie is also survived by a host of beloved relatives and friends in So. Illinois. His family wishes to express its deepest gratitude for the kindness and loving fellowship Archie received by neighbors (Rosemary and the Gibbs, Wagner, Emerson, and Spears families) and relatives (Velma, Commander David, USN, retired, inclusive) throughout the past several years. Archie and Marge were truly blessed to have resided in such a wonderful neighborhood since 1962.

A U.S. Naval veteran of World War II, Archie saw action at Pearl Harbor as Chief Gunner's Mate aboard the U.S.S. Salt Lake City, a destroyer[WRONG]. Upon receiving an honorable discharge in 1947, he returned to So. Illinois, pursued the plumbing trade (retiring in 1980), and relocated his family to Sacramento in 1959.

He was a member of Carmichael Elks Lodge, Plumber & Pipefitters Local Union 447, and VFW, and was a Master Mason of Williamson Lodge No. 882 in So. Illinois. Archie was a skilled carpenter, plumber, gardener, electrician, and outdoor chef, and could ''fix just about anything''. He was also a gun collector and woodcraftsman, who enjoyed country/western-related themes entailing music, apparel, and cinema. As a sports fan, Archie's teams were the S.F. Giants and 49ers and the Kings.

During his final months, Archie sought strength through prayer and was reminded of living in paradise, the Bible promises: ''When his flesh will become fresher than in youth, and he will return to his youthful vigor,'' (Job 33:25).