Norman Mermis, age 80, of Hays, Kansas, died Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas.
He was born on August 7, 1942, in Walker, Kansas, to Alfred and Clara (Scheck). He married Dorothy Ann (Younger) on October 6, 1962, in Hays, Kansas. She preceded him in death on May 30, 2008.
Norman owned and operated Top Notch Cleaners in Hays since 1987, when he purchased for former owner Alphonse Ruder Dry Cleaning. During the years at Top Notch Cleaners Norman would repair and maintain equipment for area dry cleaning business. Norman and his wife Dorothy started the Hays Annual Coat Drive and now in its 27th year.
Prior to getting into the dry cleaning business, Norman worked at the Hadley Hospital operating the linen service department for 33 years. He attended the college Eastern Kentucky University receiving a degree in Laundry and Linen Care. While at the Hadley Hospital Norman would install ramps, railing, and hand bars for patients with handicap needs when leaving the hospital.
Over the years, Norman had a number of business he owned Victor Rapid Transit and U-Haul Service Station in Hays. He owned a postal mail route from Hays to Dorrance, he worked for Chalmer -Borton Builders installing grain elevators, worked for Bieker Construction, and had his own home repair and remodeling business for many years.
He grew up in Walker, attended the Walker Grade School, and was a 1960 graduate of Victoria High School. He was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Knights of Columbus Council # 6984.
Survivors include his children, Norman E. “Gene” Mermis and wife, Shar, Wichita, KS; Barbara Marcotte and husband, Walter, Wichita, KS; Amy Mermis-Smith, Rick Smith, Hays, KS; his brother, Frank Mermis, Hays, KS; his sister, Vera Galliart, Russell, KS; his grandchildren, Riann Hand (Jordan); Brier Mermis; Morgann Mermis; Charlsie Frey (Alex); Travis Marcotte (Tiffany); Anya Honse (Cory); Andrew Marcotte (Shelby); Levi Marcotte; Amber Arnold (Nathan); Graysen Smith; Cooper Smith; and 17 great grandchildren.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Clara; his wife, Dorothy; his brothers, Alfred Mermis and Verlin Mermis; his brother-in-law, Gene Galliart; his sists-in-law, Dorita Mermis and Mary Mermis.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 18, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 13th and Ash, Hays, Kansas with Father Rich Daise and Father Michael Rag Kothalamuthu HDN officiating. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Cemetery Hays, Kansas.
A vigil service will be at 6:30 P.M. Friday, and a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 P.M. Friday, both at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.
Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, and from 9:00 to 9:45 A.M. Saturday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.
The family suggests memorials made payable to: Top Notch Cleaners for the ongoing Hays Annual Coat Drive in care of the mortuary.
Condolences can be sent via email to [email protected] or can be left at guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com