Kris Norton
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A visitation for Kris Norton, 56, Lawrence, KS, will be held from 1:00 ~ 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Kris passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Friday, May 24, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with colon cancer.
Kriston Scott Norton was born on April 22, 1968, in Dodge City, KS, the son of Kenneth Ira “Ken” Norton and Ruth Ellen “Ruthie” (Melia) Norton.
He was a Civil Engineer for the Kansas Department of Transportation for thirty-three years.
He married Susan Renee “Susie” Jauernig on June 18, 1994, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Leavenworth, KS. She survives at home.
Other survivors include his children, Brett Matthew Norton – Lenexa, KS, Derek Riley Norton, Justin Patrick Norton, William Scott “Will” Norton, and Lily Rose Norton – Lawrence, KS, brothers, Don (Karen) Norton – Wichita, KS, Kenton Norton – Wichita, KS, and Kevin (Barb) Norton – Dodge City, KS.
Kris was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, Kim Setty Norton, and a grandniece, Mia Nicole Norton.
Memorial contributions may be made in Kris’s name to his children’s educational fund and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I met Kris in 2012 when I joined KDOT after graduating college. He was one of my first bosses and mentors. I had moved to Lawrence from Iowa and didn’t know the city or anyone else. Kris made sure I was invited to pint nights and other outings. I really appreciated him making me feel welcome. I really only knew him for a short time before I moved back to Iowa but he taught me a lot and helped inspired me to be who I am.
On one occasion, when a close family friend had passed away, I was worried about leaving work because I was new. Kris told me to never worry about work because it will always be there, but to always make time for family and friends. He will be missed by all.
Dear Family of Kris,
My sincere condolences in the loss of Kris. He was a well respected work colleague at KDOT. I appreciated his welcoming nature to new employees and his willingness to help them feel comfortable on the job. For me, he helped me feel included in the work group by talking to me and telling me about his family. He loved his family very much and was very proud of you.
In sympathy,
Dede Brokesh
I met Kris when I first joined DoPPM at KDOT. I didn’t work directly with him too often, but whenever I was around him I couldn’t help but notice his jovial attitude and good-natured sense of humor. He was always a breath of fresh air, he will be missed.
It’s hard to imagine a world without Kris in it. He was a pillar in the engineering community, could always bring a smile to your face and knew exactly how to make someone feel welcome and accepted (even obnoxious Mizzou grads). I will forever cherish the many laughs and adventures we shared over the years. My heart goes out to Susie, their children, and the many family and friends who loved him over the years. RIP buddy.
I offer my sincere condolences to family and friends in the death of Kris Norton. Kris was a valued Design Leader in the KDOT Bureau of Road Design. He was valued not only for his technical skills as an Engineer but for his friendly and outgoing personality. His physical absence will be a great loss to his family, co-workers, and friends, but memories of knowing Kris will be forever pleasant.
It was always such a pleasure to run across Kris during our time together at KDOT, as he had such a friendly and outgoing personality, along with a fine sense of humor and always a twinkle in his eye. He was the consummate professional engineer, always mindful of the public health, safety, and welfare. He was an outstanding representative of KDOT and the engineering profession in his dealing with the public on his projects. My sincerest condolences…Kris will be missed.
Kris is a very special individual. I always enjoyed making visits to the road section as I could look forward to having a nice conversation with Kris and he was always in the best of moods. Chris was one of those special talents that not only was a productive and talented professional, he also made work fun. Chris has made countless memories with numerous people, he will definitely be missed. My condolences.
So very sorry to hear of Kris’s passing. If my memory serves me correctly, we were in the same EIT class, at Kdot. I work in field offices for 31 yers and Kris was always very helpful. My condolences to the Norton family and friends. A star that was taken way too early!
I met Kris when I was just kid. Became amazing friends with all his kids and they are still close to me. I will always remember having fun outside with that amazing set up he build with the camp fire in the winter while him BBQ hotdogs and burgers with a beer! Everyone in his family are just amazing people and will always call him and everyone family. I’ll never forget those amazing memories.
Also him playing poker with my dad all the time.
I worked with Kris in KDOT Road Design for a number of years. I can say with great confidence that he not only was a great boss, but an amazing friend as well. His knowledge and dedication to KDOT was something to be admired, and his ability to mentor anyone and everyone around him was a testament to what a great person he was. His sense of humor would brighten up any tough situation, and those who knew him well have no shortage of stories to tell about how he made their day that much better. Prayers to Susie and their children, I hope they find peace in this difficult time.
Kris and Susie lived next door to us and started their family in that home. The boys loved to ride their little bikes to our driveway, and by the smile on Kris’ face, we knew he always enjoyed it too. Susie and family, we are so sorry for your loss. May memories of him continue to bless you.
Susie and family
I am so sorry for your loss and I mourn with you!
We will miss his fun personality & lively spirit he brought in with him!
He was always upbeat even when I nagged him about flossing!!
The world is not going to be the same- prayers for you and your family
Donita from the Lawrence Dental Center
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to family and friends in the death of Kris Norton. Kris was a well-respected Engineer within KDOT. My first memories of Kris were playing Call of Duty during break time with Road Design, Bridge, and Traffic Engineering. Nothing was better than walking upstairs delivering paper plans to him in Road Design and chatting about the game or projects in general. Not to mention all the nicknames he would give others within KDOT. Including the nickname Kris gave me. The same name he would address me 10+ years later anytime I would see him in person.
He always did more than what was asked of him to ensure KDOT/public would be in the best graces regarding any project KDOT put out. Many times, over the years, he would go above and beyond to develop striping alternatives for projects just to ensure that the design was adequate for the striping and signing. Something that was never asked of him, but he did it anyhow. I always respected him for doing that.
Many conversations between Kris and myself over the years, learning the differences and needs between Road Design and Traffic Engineering. Bouncing ideas off each other to ensure the traveling public got the absolute best from the State.
Most recently, his newest role, Kris excelled in anything that was asked or required by him. Always took a challenge and made it the absolute best in anything he did.
He will be truly missed within KDOT. His humor will be an absence that will not be replaced. Condolences to Kris’s family during this difficult time.
Please accept my condolences. I crossed paths with Kris in 2020 or 2021 at Holcom Park where he was playing pickleball with some friends. I was playing tennis, hitting against the wall. I had played pickleball before but I had laid it to rest for 5 years. I felt the game had passed me by and the sport wasn’t fun for me anymore. Anyways, as an observer, he and his friends had conjured up a scoring system and a style of play that piqued my interest. 3 vs 3. Kris was nice enough to strike up a little small talk and invited me to the next gathering. Needless to say, I had a lot of fun. Kris did a lot to make the game fun again. Sleep well my friend. I will miss your enthusiasm.
Susie, I just found out about Kris and am heartbroken, he was like a younger brother to me. I had recently stopped in to see him and the workers at the KU offices and had spoke to him. You remember how close we were when you, Kris and I were riding the van to Topeka.