Omar Sterling Gorham
Omar Sterling Gorham, age 88, a resident of Braymer, MO, passed away on Monday, March 15, 2021, at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City.
Omar was born the son of Jewell Ailene and Elma Opal (Phillips) Gorham on May 6, 1932, in Braymer. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Faye O’Dell on Dec. 21, 1952, in Braymer. She preceded him in death on July 14, 2012. Omar knew what it was to be married to a fine and wonderful woman, to love her beyond all bearing, and also with the knowledge that she loved him back. Omar also took pride in his time spent in the US Air Force during the Korean War. After his career with the Air Force, he and his brother, plus their wives, resumed the work of their father, Jewell. The little mechanic’s shop maintained its status of car repair, but added a full 24-hour wrecker service, along with a car dealership. Omar’s son, Jerry, has now continued his father’s legacy with an auto parts and hardware store. Omar was a member of the Church of Christ in Braymer, where he also served as an Elder.
The way Omar died is much the same way he lived; he wrote his own rules, he sometimes fought authority, and most of all, he paved his own way. If you ever told him he couldn’t do something, he would make sure he could.
Survivors include three sons, Jerry Gorham (Carol) of Braymer, Steve Gorham (Sheryl) of York, SC, and Phillip Gorham (Julie) of Braymer; one daughter, Debbie Penning of Lawson; five grandchildren, Sarah Madget, David Penning, Troy Gorham, Jared Gorham, and Autumn Gorham; two great-grandchildren, Ryann and Reis; one sister, Loretta Voyles of Overland Park, KS; one sister-in-law, Jenny Shear of Kearney; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 60 years, Dorothy Faye; one son-in-law, Patrick Penning; one great-grandchild; one brother, Junior Gorham; one infant sister; seven sisters-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of Christ in Braymer, on Thursday, March 18, at 2:00 p.m. There is no scheduled visitation. Friends may call at the Lindley Pitts Funeral Home in Braymer on Wednesday, March 17 from 12 noon until 8:00 p.m. Burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Braymer. Memorial contributions may be made to NorthCare Hospice and/or the Church of Christ of Braymer, and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, MO 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Pitts Funeral Home in Braymer.
