Norris Milton Archer

Norris Milton Archer, born December 27, 1923, passed away on September 24, 2019, a full-fledged member of what has been labeled “The Greatest Generation.” Norris was the son of Ralph and Allyne Archer and brother of Ralph Junior, Evelyn Vermillion, Lester, and Carol Walker, all who preceded him in passing. He was husband to Louise for 33 years and father to David, Robert and Tim. He married Margaret in 1976 and is step father to Lester Jr, Kathy Steele, Rhonda Medley and Brian.

Norris earned the rank of Eagle Scout, graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis where he was a member of the Army ROTC Cadet Corp, and concentrated on becoming proficient in various shop skills. Norris joined the Army in 1942 where he trained to be a combat engineer. During WWII Norris served with the 52^nd Combat Engineer Battalion of the Americal Division in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Prior to the end of the war, Norris was selected to attend Officer Candidate School at Fort Belvoir Virginia. A lifelong Patriot, he encouraged his boys to serve their Country and was the proud father of an Army Colonel and Navy Captain.

Being an Eagle Scout and a Soldier had a lifelong impact on Norris’ life. He often said that most of his life skills were learned at Camp “Chank tun un gi” (Camp Belzer) and probably helped him survive his years during the war. Norris not only attained the rank of Eagle Scout but became what is known in the Indianapolis District as a Firecrafter and more than 70 years after having qualified, was crowned with the very elite rank of Minisino. In 2018 Norris was recognized as the oldest living member of the Indianapolis Boy Scout Band.

Norris Archer was truly a self-made man. His many jobs over the years included foreman at the American Foundry of the Chrysler Corporation, Plant Supervisor at the Orman McKinley Metal Fabrication facility on North Keystone, Vice President of Emerson Engineering Company, Director of the Indiana Small Business and Equal Opportunity Administration, Director of Engineering at the Indianapolis International Airport, and Co-owner, with Margaret, of Opportunity Plus, an independent marketing company.

Norris had many interests including boat building and aviation. He became a private pilot at age 50, followed by earning a multi-engine and commercial aviator license. He founded his own flight school and was named to the President’s Aviation Safety Council where he served for many years.

Norris was recognized as the “oldest working paper-boy in Indianapolis” carrying papers well into his 80’s. He never had any tolerance for people who claimed to be unable to work as he said, “anybody can pass out papers.”  His health began to deteriorate when he fell on the ice while delivering the Indianapolis Star in 2003.

Norris Archer had enormous impact on the Indianapolis community, especially the Ben Davis area, through his leadership in various civic organizations and the Indianapolis International Airport where he served in both administrative and engineering department leadership rolls. His book entitled “The Ben Davis Centennial” chronicles the activities leading up to the events that gave recognition to the establishment of the area that became known as Ben Davis.

Through his position as Small Business Administrator and minority advocate in Indianapolis, he became associated with the two key figures who conceived the idea that led to the establishment of Martin College, now known as Martin University. Norris received his bachelor’s degree as Martin’s fourth graduate and later served as President of the Board of Directors. He was recently honored as the last living founder of the College and was bestowed the title of Doctor of Humane Letters. His stole drapes his final resting place today.

Norris was honored in many ways during his later years: recognized as the author of more than 20 books of which several reside in the Library of Congress; member of the first Indianapolis Honor Flight of WWII veterans to Washington; member of the Indianapolis War Veterans Association; WWII Discussion Group and oldest living member of the Camp Belzer Boy Scout Band.  Well into his nineties he was still called on to be guest speaker at numerous events where he often sang to his audience and quoted poetry.

Norris is survived by his wife Margaret, three sons, four step children, thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.