Edward Martin Gorence

Edward "Eddie" Martin Gorence of Midland, Texas passed away on September 22, 2012. Eddie was born April 12, 1921 in Arma, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin Gorence and Mary Gorence, and sister Lucy Gorence, all of Arma, Kansas.He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth "Sue" Gilmore Gorence, his two sons Kenneth Charles Gorence of Austin, Texas, Gary Martin Gorence of Pecos, New Mexico and one daughter, Janet Gorence Davas and husband William David Davas of New Orleans, Louisiana, and his three granddaughters, Erin Lea Gorence of San Diego, California, Amanda Kate Gorence of Austin, Texas and Elizabeth Hemphill Davas of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.At age 16, Eddie enrolled at Kansas State Teachers College (Pittsburg State University). Fifteen hours short of graduation, in April 1940 he accepted a position in the Land Department with Phillips Petroleum Company in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. With the outbreak of World War II, Eddie enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and was accepted in Officer Candidate School where he was able to attend Middlebury College in Vermont to complete his college work and graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He was then commissioned as a Lieutenant, Junior Grade and was assigned as the supply officer to outfit the USS Harry E. Hubbard, a new destroyer built in the Staten Island, New York shipyards and commissioned to serve in the Pacific theater. The ship would later serve on "the picket line" during the Battle of Okinawa where Eddie served as a gunner battery officer; after the Japanese surrender, Eddie and his shipmates served in Manchuria and assisted in the release of American POW's. Eddie would continue his career in the US Naval Reserves and retired as a Commander in April 1981. After the war, Eddie returned to Bartlesville, Oklahoma to continue his employment with Phillips Petroleum Company. It was upon his return to Bartlesville that he met his "great love" Elizabeth Sue Gilmore whom he would marry in April 1948. In 1960, Phillips requested Ed to relocate to Midland, Texas where he and his wife Sue have lived since, forming many rich and lasting friendships. Eddie continued his employment with Phillips for 42 years until his retirement as Regional Manager in 1981. After his retirement from Phillips, Ed continued his career in the oil and gas industry with Edmondson and Associates and later as an Independent. Eddie held several officer positions in the Midland Kiwanis Club, being named Kiwanian of the Year in 1963, served as an officer in the Permian Basin Landman's Association and the Board of Directors of the American Association of Professional Landmen and the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association and was active in the Midland Junior Baseball Program, serving as Commissioner in 1966, as well as other civic and community organizations. He is a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Midland, Texas where he served as an Elder and Trustee. After his retirement, Eddie served as a volunteer at the Midland Public Library for 20 years, a guest lecturer in Midland schools, traveled with his wife Sue extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and South America. Eddie was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast, always following a local Midland athlete's career or his favorite college and professional teams.Eddie will forever be missed by family and friends. He lived a life of honor and service – to his faith, family, friends and country. His family is thankful for his life and the example he set as a member of the "Greatest Generation".Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2800 West Louisiana, Midland, Texas. Interment will be at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Hospice Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, TX 79702 or Friends of the Library, Midland County Public Library, 301 West Missouri Avenue, Midland, Texas 79701.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,