Eugene E. Gorman

1921 - 2013

Eugene E. Gorman
Evansville, Ind.
Eugene E. "Gene" Gorman, 91, of Evansville, passed away at 3:45 p.m. Sunday, July 7, 2013, at VNA Plus Charlier Hospice Care Center.
Gene was born September 17, 1921, in Newport Tenn. Growing up during the Depression, he learned the importance of a strong work ethic. Gene attended Carson Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn., where he would meet Sarah Shults. Between enlisting and being called upon to serve his country in World War II, Gene moved to Evansville as a welder on the LST boats. He married Sarah in Evansville just prior to shipping off to war. Their home became a place for sisters and sister-in-laws to gather for mutual support. Gene's assignment was to serve as a scout - going ahead of the troops to help keep them out of harm's way.
Upon returning to Evansville, he worked at Hill's Snappy Service diner. In 1949, Gene and his friends and business partners Grady (Slim) Copeland and N.M. (Tubby) Bunge opened the first of two Tennessean Restaurants in downtown Evansville. No discussion about Gene's life is complete without the great memories of countless people who were greeted with "Hello Neighbor" and a smile. The Tennessean Restaurants were a part of downtown Evansville's history for decades. The menu focused on hamburgers and french fries, but an important part of their success was the lively discussion in the back room about business, politics, sports, and current events. Gene retired in 1983.
Gene was a long time member of Calvary Baptist Church. Later with a group of friends, he joined American Baptist East Church. Gene was a member of Lessing Masonic Lodge # 464.
A common thread in Gene's life was close relationships with family and friends. Gene is survived by daughter, Patti Brownlee (Steve), of Omaha, Neb.; son, Steve Gorman (Deb), of Newburgh; granddaughters, Sarah Weller (Tim), Meredith Gorman, and Maddie Gorman. As is God's perfect plan, his first great-grandchild is due to join the family in October.
Other surviving family members include sister-in-law, Grace Crowder, of Elizabeth Tenn.; nieces and nephews, Mike (Robin) Gorman, of Columbia S.C., Mary Jane Gorman (Duncan McArthur), of Greenville S.C., Brenda Crowder, of Elizabethton Tenn., Mary Linda Shults, of Greenville S.C., Martha Popp, of Brentwood Tenn., Russell Shults (Martha Bonds), of Isle of Palms S.C., David Shults, of Erwin Tenn., Doug Shults (Sarah), of Erwin Tenn., and Russell Crowder (Debbie), of Wayzata Minn.; and great-nieces and nephews, Bryce Fowler (Clint), Kyle Popp, Will Crowder, John Thomas Shults and Mary Gorman. The Gorman family especially appreciates Gene's dear friends, Wanda Hooper, Carol Cooper Pritchett, and Joyce Burghard, along with all of the neighbors who would regularly join him in rich conversation.
Gene was preceded in death by his father, George W. Gorman and mother, Queenie Gorman; beloved wife of 52 years, Sarah; brother, Charles Gorman (June), and brothers- and sisters-in-law, John and Mary Lou Shults, Kenneth and Bobbi Shults, and Howard Crowder. Together they are celebrating a family reunion in heaven as you read this.
The Gorman Family recognizes and thanks the staff at Deaconess Gateway, VNA Charlier Hospice Center and especially Dr. Tom Waits for their extraordinary care of Gene.
Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2013, at American Baptist East Church, 6300 Washington Ave., Evansville with Reverend Peck Axton and Reverend Ferd Elfreich officiating. Entombment will be in Oak Hill Mausoleum.
Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at Boone Funeral Home - East Chapel, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville and from 9 until 10 a.m. service time at American Baptist East Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Baptist East Church, 6300 Washington Ave., Evansville, IN 47715 or the Evansville Christian Life Center, 509 S. Kentucky Avenue, Evansville IN 47714..
Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net