Willard Vernon Gorman

Willard Vernon Gorman was born on October 11, 1922 one of three sons to Edith Mae (Taylor) and Earl Franklin Gorman in Yuma, Colorado. On Wednesday, September 7, 2016, at the age of 93, Willard passed away at his home in Yuma, Colorado.

After his father passed away, Willard at a young age promised to take care of his mother. Willard was known as a hard worker and believed in helping his neighbors, family and friends. He was a pioneer in the farming industry helping start the soil conservation and the local Co-op. He was also one of the first farmers to irrigate his crops. Later he would recall this milestone to the future generations of his family by stating, “I don’t know if it was irrigation or irritation.”

On July 5, 1942 at the age of 19, he married the love of his life, Dorthie Darlene Van Matre. Of this marriage one child was born, a daughter, Patricia (Patty) Virginia Gorman.

Willard was known for his ability to keep a conversation going longer than one might have meant for it. He loved to tell stories, jokes and is described lovingly as a stubborn, ornery old fart by many members of his family.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents; Earl and Edith Gorman, his wife Dorthie, brothers Frank and Virgil Gorman, and his daughter Patty Gorman.

He is survived by his grandchildren, Tonya Yost of Greeley, Colorado; Ty Yost and Tanya of Commerce City, Colorado; Kendra Brown and Danny of Yuma, Colorado; great-grandchildren, Jason Raine of Colorado; Desiree Rider and husband, Shawn Rider of Kansas; Crystal Yost of Kansas; Elizabeth Williams of Greeley; Laura Yost of Louisiana; Amanda Wimmer-Flint and Rubie Yost of Commerce City; Devien Brown and Breanna of Yuma; Keithen Brown of Yuma; and great-great grandchildren, Sandra and Logan Spooner of Kansas; Laka and Elim Ferguson of Kansas; and Kaydan Brown of Yuma.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 10:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Yuma, Colorado with Pastor Jaime Nieves officiating. Internment will follow at the Yuma Cemetery, Baucke Funeral Home directing the service.