David Thomas Gorman, of Steward, born on December 6, 1976, in Mendota, IL, passed away suddenly on July 14, 2024 at the age of 47.
He attended Paw Paw Schools and graduated with the Class of 1995. David furthered his education at Mount St. Clare in Clinton, IA, where he earned a bachelor’s degree and was a dedicated four-year member of their men’s basketball team. His passion for basketball continued throughout his life as he enjoyed attending local high school games to watch and support the sport he loved. After graduating, David worked for Country Financial in DeKalb. He also dedicated his life to farming alongside his parents, nurturing a deep love for the land. He was an active member of the Lee County Farm Bureau and a long-standing board member. David was passionate about encouraging youth to engage in agriculture through activities and scholarships. As a lifelong Montadale sheep breeder, David produced some of the most consistent and competitive females. He took great pride in showing his sheep at numerous county fairs, as well as state and national competitions.
David is survived by his parents, Thomas and Mary Lou Gorman of Steward, IL; his sisters, Lori (Gary) Wetzel of Franklin Grove, IL, and Brenda Dismore (Matt) of Prairie Grove, AR. He is also survived by his nephews, Aaron (Siera) Wetzel, Brandon and Blake Dismore, and his niece, Addison (Dylan) Hopkins. David leaves behind special friends, cousins, and aunts who will cherish his memory.
A Celebration of David’s life will be held on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 3 to 6 pm at the Paw Paw Community Building in Paw Paw, Illinois. In Lieu of Flowers the family is asking for those wishing to make a memorial donation in David’s name to the Lee County Farm Bureau Foundation, 37 South East Avenue, Amboy, IL 61310 or Montadale Sheep Breeders Endowment Fund, attn Kendra Fleck, 47289 Highway 324, Brookings, SD. Please visit www.tormanfuneralhome.com to sign the online guestbook.
Comment *I remember David as a little boy so involved with his sheep in 4-H. And then in his teens and 20s so involved with teaching other 4-Hers with their sheep. My sincere condolences to both Tom and MaryLou and the family.
Comment *So sorry to hear this. Prayers to the Gormans and Wetzell.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son, David. Hugs and prayers to Mary Lou and Tom. And to the rest of the family. Comment *
What a loss. My father Myron has
been gone 27 years already. . David and dad shared alot of common interest. Farming sports and of course sheep. He thought it was an absolute crime that a kid that big and strong did play football. Dad tried his best to beg David and his parents to let him live with him his senior year. Dad absolutely had started the paperwork. But wasn’t to be. He was a young man that brought a lot of joy into an old man’s heart. I still looked forward to the occasional run in with my old sheep people. Sorry for your loss
Comment *To the Gorman and Wetzel familiy. We are so so very sorry for the loss of a GREAT, FUNNY,UNDERSTANDING,KIND ,CONSIDERATE AND ALWAYS HELPFUL,PERSON. Such a great loss. We will miss that big cheerful laugh he always had and can make your day go better .I ( Carolyn) will definitely miss my GRRREAT BIG HUGS AND SQUEEZE that always make my day. Steve n I will miss the good talks we always had. And he was always there for us. Thoughts and prayers for the whole family.
Comment Dear Gorman Family, so sorry for your loss. We are praying for all of you. , May God be with you all during during*this sad tlme!. Paul and Elaine
So sorry to hear of the loss of David. So many school memories. David was always nice and friendly to everyone! Sending thought and prayers to Davids family and friends.
Comment *We lived down the road when David was born. His life was a celebration and his smile lit up the room. He was conscientious and caring. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Comment *David was a kind and gentle soul, he had a smile that lit up a room, he will be missed by many, may he live on in the hearts of those who loved him. Prayers for comfort and strength for all.
Comment *I am at a loss of words. David was a great friend. While we haven’t seen each other in years we regularly talked on the phone every couple months. I will miss our talks. My deepest condolences to his family.
Comment This is just so sad! David was a wonderful man with a wonderful heart! He was a good person who always had the biggest smile. He was so encouraging to other students at Mt St Clare. David was an example of what Mt St Clare stood for. David, you will never be forgotten and I can still see that wonderful smile you had!
Comment *David was often called “the gentle giant” by all that knew him at Mount St.Clare College. He was beloved by his peers. Always kind and quick with a smile, he was a quiet leader that inspired in his own special way. As the Director of Residence Life at Mount St.Clare, I knew I could always count on him to help me deal with some of the most challenging situations. His quiet, yet firm demeanor was always accompanied by a care and empathy that ensured you would be treated fairly. He represented his family and community with aplomb. It’s devastating news and we are all poorer for not having “the big man” around. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to all his friends and family. We have lost literally and figuratively a “giant” of a man.
Tom, Mary Lou, Lori and Brenda and families, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Comment *David was special! He was a people pleaser. He had a grin that would light up the room. David had a special place in my heart. Prayers and hugs sent to the family. He will be remembered.