Norbert Angell III

Norbert A. Angell III, 74, of Lenexa, passed away on November 5, 2024 at Advent Health Shawnee Mission, surrounded by his wife and children. 

Born on July 5, 1950 to Norbert A. Angell II and Rosalie (Breedlove) Angell in Kansas City, KS; Norbert grew up in the Muncie area and graduated from Bonner Springs High School in 1968. 

November of 1968, Norbert joined the United States Air Force and stationed at Blytheville Air Force Base as a member of the 97th Supply Squadron. This gave Norbert the opportunity to serve and meet the love of his life, Phyllis Shirley. They were married in February of 1971 at the base chapel among family and friends.

After serving in the USAF, Norbert and Phyllis moved to Kansas City in 1972; where Norbert took a position with Union Pacific Railroad. Working through the ranks during his 38-year career with the railroad, Norbert took advantage of education offerings available and earned his undergrad from Rockhurst University in 1977. Norbert returned to school later in his career to obtain a master’s degree from Baker University in 2000. His drive to continue growing his education went hand in hand with his rise through UPRR. Norbert went from trainmen to conductor, spent time in the law department (and a lot of other positions in between), finally ending his time with UPRR as the Director of Operating Practices for the Kansas City Terminal.

 After retiring in 2010, Norbert craved activity and the itch to volunteer in his community came knocking. He began volunteering for Kansas Operation Lifesaver, traveling the state teaching train safety and helping as a member of the board of directors. Norbert was also active in his local chapter of the Union Pacific Employees Club, keeping in contact with all of his railroad pals and making new friends along the way. Norbert volunteered with the CERT team in Shawnee and loved helping with training simulations for the Shawnee Fire Department and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. An avid photographer throughout his younger years; he kept up his skills capturing the joy of situations and volunteering as photographer of ceremonies for Johnson County MED-ACT, where he made many friends and shared his time volunteering to capture their activities. 

Norbert loved taking walks through the park with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren, and encouraging his children to succeed. He was a dad to all his kids’ friends, a great brother to his siblings, and an uncle you could count on when you needed a helping hand. 

Norbert was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert A Angell II and Rosalie (Breedlove) Angell. Norbert is survived by his loving Wife, Phyllis Angell of Lenexa; his son Norbert Angell (Rebecca) of Lenexa and his daughter Alyson Angell (Matthew) of Clayton NC; his two beautiful grandchildren Annalise and Madeline Angell; his brother Mike (Joyce) Angell, sister Vickie Angell, and a whole host of nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday November 12th from 1 pm to 3 pm at Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, Olathe, Kansas. 

Interment will take place at Leavenworth National Cemetery in a private ceremony at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you give to a charity of your choice in Norbert’s name. 

To share a memory of Norbert or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.