Grand Commander's Biography

Grand Commandery
Knights Templar of California

Casey W. Norris, KYGCH
Right Eminent Grand Commander (2011-2012)
Grand Commandery Knights Templar of California

Sir Knight Casey William Norris was born on June 12, 1937 in Wilson, North Carolina. He graduated from Charles I. Coon High School in 1956, and immediately joined the United States Air Force. He served 24 years retiring in 1980. While serving in the U.S. Air Force in England, he met his future wife, Jacqueline Ann French, whom he subsequently married on October 29, 1960. They have one son and two grandsons.

Following retirement he enrolled in California State University, Sacramento, where he earned a BA followed by an MA in Special Education, plus receiving a California Teaching Credential. He taught at the Middle School level for 20 years, finally retiring in 2002.

Masonic History
Raised a Master Mason in North Carolina on 4-28-1967 and affiliated with Natoma Lodge No. 64 in California on 7-12-1981 serving as Worshipful Master in 1998.

He was a recipient of the Hiram Award in 2002.

Exalted in Solano Chapter No. 43 Royal Arch Masons on 3-12-1994 and served as the Excellent High Priest in 1998. He became a plural member in St. James Chapter No. 11 and served as High Priest in 2001. He is a recipient of the Grand Chapter Meritorious Service Award.

Greeted in Amador Council Cryptic Masons on 3-12-1994 and served as Illustrious Master in 1999. He is a recipient fo the Grand Council Ish Sodi Award.

Knighted in Vacaville Commandery No. 38 on 3-26-1994 and served as Eminent Commander in 1997. He subsequently became a plural member of El Dorado Commandery No. 4 and served as Eminent Commander in 2000. He has also taken out plural memberships in California Commandery No. 1, Los Angeles Commandery No. 9 and Auburn Commandery No. 52. He is a recipient of the Grand Commandery Meritorious Service Medal.

He is a member of the following Masonic organizations:
San Francisco Priory No. 38, Knights of the York Cross of Honour.

Cross and Crown Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. Currently serving as Senior General.

Golden State College No. 68, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis.

New Covenant Tabernacle, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests. Currently serving as 2nd Pillar.

Camellia City Council,

Allied Masonic Degrees. Past Sovereign Master.

Arthur N. McBain York Rite College. Past Governor.

Connemara Council Knight Masons. Currently serving as Senior Warden.

Royal Order of Scotland.

National Sojourners

Heroes of ‘76

Scottish Rite, Valley of Sacramento

Knights of Saint Andrew

Council of Kadosh. Currently serving as Marshall of Ceremonies.

Sacramento Court No. 119, Royal Order of Jesters.

Ben Ali Shrine. Past Captain of the Motor Escort.

On May 23, 2011 he was elected the 153rd Right Eminent Grand Commander in Bakersfield, California.