Norbert H. Drais, 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.
Mass of Christian Burial: 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park, Fort Worth
Vigil Service and Rosary: 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at Biggers Funeral Home, Fort Worth followed by a visitation with family and friends
In lieu of flowers, the family request to please consider donations to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Fort Worth or the National Parks Conservation Association.
Norbert H. Drais was born June 23, 1932, at home in Brown County, Wisconsin just outside Green Bay to Albert and Edna Dras. Norb was a caring and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He graduated in 1950 from Central High School in Green Bay and enlisted in the Air Force in April of 1951. He served in the Korean War as part of the Fifth Communications Group. After his service he attended Devry Technical Institute in Chicago where he graduated in April of 1957 with an Associates in Electronic Technology. A job offer as an Electrical Test Engineer from Convair, later know as General Dynamics and now Lockheed Martin, brought him to Fort Worth, Texas. In 1958 he met his future wife, Jan McClure, who he married on May 16, 1959. Throughout the years they were committed to supporting and participating in the many activities of their two children as they grew up, from sports to band and on through college. Family was always the highest priority, and the most joyful times were when the family could gather together. Of course, he was also dedicated to videotaping any and all the family get-togethers.
Norb enjoyed traveling around to many of the national parks and sites, visiting family and especially getting together with his school buddies, “The Gang”, from Green Bay whom he stayed in touch with throughout his entire life.
His interest in electronics would form many hobbies. He was a ham radio operator for many years, built unknown number of electronic gadgets and was able to fix, really anything. As computers emerged his interest in them grew as well, which included working on his TRS-80 at home and writing a program that plotted the solar system on any date. Later he would spend many hours flying flight simulators. His interest in aviation spanned from obtaining his private pilot’s license when he moved to Fort Worth to a career working near military aircraft to tracking air traffic, especially when his family was traveling (he knew they landed before they did).
His father, being a carpenter and woodworker, created a love of woodworking which became a favorite hobby when he retired in 1994 after more than 32 years at Lockheed. There were many projects, but he prized his replica Dutch windmills most of all.
He was never one to draw attention to himself or his many accomplishments over his lifetime, except to always, at every opportunity, sing the praises of his family, who he loved beyond measure.
He is preceded in death by Jan, his loving wife of 53 years; brothers, Mike Drais and Lloyd Drais;, and sister-in-law, Janet Drais.
He is survived by his son, David Drais (Bobbi); daughter, Denise Engels (Mike); grandchildren, Nick, Zach and Lily; sister, Joan Lipp (Jim); sister-in-law, Julie Drais and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.