Thomas J. Gorman passed away Sunday, April 7, 2019, at Great Plains Health surrounded by his wife of forty-seven years, Lynda, and his sons Patrick, Michael, and Christopher.
Born in 1942 to Leo and Madeline (Zwickl) Gorman in Sidney, Nebraska, Tom graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Sidney in 1960. Tom earned two bachelor degrees from Chadron State College, followed by a Masters degree from Kearney State as well as doctoral hours at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Tom taught and coached at Minden High School for five years. Moving to North Platte in 1970, to become a teacher at the community college, he taught several business courses and was in charge of community services, eventually becoming Mid-Plains Community College’s Dean of Community Services.
Throughout his 41-year career at Mid-Plains Community College, Tom helped lead the way in making the North Platte community a thriving environment for individuals to live and learn. He received numerous awards and accolades for his work and service, including Educator of the Year from the North Platte Chamber of Commerce, Administrator of the Year from the Nebraska Community College System, Outstanding Adult Educator for Nebraska, Advocate of the Year Award from the Small Business Administration, the History Maker Award from the Learning Resources Network, an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska, and the Cody Scout Award. Tom was affectionately known as “Mr. Mid-Plains” for his enthusiastic dedication to the college and North Platte.
Tom served as the Chairman of the North Platte Community College Foundation and as a member of the RSVP Advisory Council since its formation in 1973. Tom also was an active member of Holy Spirit Church for over 40 years.
In 1972, Tom married Lynda (Clonch) Gorman, together raising three boys. His greatest joys were playing golf with his wife and dear friends and spending time with his grandchildren.
Tom Gorman was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ted, and his niece Cara Kisicki.
He is survived by his loving wife Lynda, his son, Patrick Gorman (Tricia Cross), and grandsons, Shane and Graham, of Santa Monica, Calif.; his son, Michael Gorman (Jaime), and granddaughter, Keely, of Katy, Texas, and his son Christopher Gorman (Danielle Stahlnecker) of Lincoln.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to Tom & Lynda Gorman Scholarship Fund at North Platte Community College Foundation. Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with the Reverend Sagar Arikotla as celebrant. Burial will be at North Platte Cemetery. Visitation with family receiving friends will be Tuesday, April 9, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.