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Kenneth Wayne Gorman
Kenneth Wayne Gorman, 72, Topeka, Kan., passed away Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021.
Ken was born April 2, 1949, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Thomas and AnnaBelle Hall Gorman. He graduated from St. Benedict’s College (Benedictine College) in 1971. Kenneth dedicated nearly 30 years to the Topeka Police Department, retiring in 1999. Ken spent nearly two decades as a car salesman in Topeka at Doug Richert after retiring from the Topeka Police Department. He then went on to work as a security guard at Core First Bank and Trust. He loved to travel, working in his yard, fishing, Chief’s football, and KU basketball amongst many other things.
Ken is survived by his daughter, Mandy Gorman; grandson, Isaiah Bonjour; sister, Lois Sherman (Steve); brothers, David (Patty), Kevin (Lisa), Phillip (Julie), Mark (Marla); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Paul and Tommy.
Ken was a widely recognized and respected officer in his community as well as on a national level. His respectful, friendly manner enabled him to build bridges and strong bonds at all levels of his work. His compassionate work was recognized in the naming of the "Ken Gorman Humanitarian" award, for providing much needed assistance to families of fallen officers. Ken's most recent service was to the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Advisory Committee.
Ken also served his brothers in blue on a city, state, and national level as a representative to the National Fraternal Order of Police for decades. He was always a voice of reason, honesty, respect, and compassion. These traits served him well throughout his career and his life of "retirement." Ken always spoke so highly of each member with whom he served. Your friendship was his greatest and highest reward. Ken would want each of you to know how much he appreciated the many years of friendship you shared together. His passing leaves a massive chasm, and the example to follow to help fill it as he claims his well-deserved heavenly reward. No one would disagree that Ken was the “Best” friend ever!
Ken’s daughter, Mandy, and his grandson, Isaiah, were his pride and joy. They shared an unbreakable bond of love and care for each other. There won’t be a day go by that the light of that “love” won’t shine through to make each day a little better! Every day experiences filled Ken’s life. Many of the best days were experiencing Isaiah’s athletic successes. Isaiah was a talented basketball player and Ken enjoyed every practice and game they shared together. Isaiah’s teammates and friends became fast and long-lasting friends of Ken, he was known to them simply as "Papa." Mandy and Isaiah will continue to carry these loving shared experiences with their father/papa every day of their lives.
The family thanks you for all the kindness you have shared and continue to share with us. We are most appreciative. Our hearts are broken but we thank you for helping us mend them.
Visitation will be from10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 S.W. Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where memorial service will start at 12 p.m.
The memorial service will be live streamed on the funeral home Facebook Page.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.