Edward Oliver Gormley, age 99, passed away on November 17, 2018 at the Life Care Center of Greeley. He was born January 10, 1919 in Denver, Colorado to Edward A. Gormley and Ruth E. Oliver.

Ed graduated from Greeley High School and entered military service on March 17, 1943. He served in the Army Air Force during WW2 manning the lower ball gun position of a B-17 in the European Theater of Operations. On his second mission his plane was shot down over Germany, but his crew made it safely into Switzerland. While interned as a prisoner of war there, he met Elsa Bernhard, the love of his life. Ed and Elsy were married in Los Angeles, CA on March 11, 1946. Ed worked in law enforcement, early in his career with the Weld County Sheriff’s Office, and then with the Greeley Police Department, from July, 1952 until his retirement in August, 1978.

Part of the Greatest Generation, Ed truly loved America. He was a hardworking man, often working two jobs to support his family. No project was too big for Ed to tackle by himself, from remodeling a house to installing a new furnace. Ed was an avid skier and passed his love for the sport on to his grandchildren. Good manners and honesty were woven into Ed’s character, a true gentleman. He loved his family and was a positive and caring role model to his sons, grandchildren and all who knew him. Family and friends will miss his kindness, smile and the special part he played in all our lives.

Ed is survived by his son, Steven Gormley; Daughter-in-law, Cindy Gormley, two grandchildren, Jill Staples (husband Bret) and Jamie Gormley (wife Julie); and three great grandchildren, Hunter Staples, Spencer Staples and Lila Gormley.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elsa Bernhard Gormley, son Kris Edward Gormley, his parents, and sisters, Jan Oliver and Margaret Gormley.

A Life Celebration Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at Adamson Life Celebration Home.

To leave condolences with Ed’s family visit AdamsonCares.com