Mark E Gormley

Mark E. Gormley of Versailles passed away at home on July 13, 2019, blessed by the presence of his wife and children. Born on September 9, 1933, in Woodford County, Kentucky, he was the son of John E. and Dorothy Battalia Gormley. He is a descendent of Irish stonemasons who contributed to the construction of the rock walls that still exist today in Woodford and surrounding counties, and he helped build the rock wall at Pisgah Church. He was married for 59 years to JoAnn George Gormley. In addition to his wife, Mark is survived by his four children, Dr. Mark E. Gormley, Jr. (Laura Hinnendael) of Minneapolis, MN; Judge Tamra Gormley (John W. Hays) of Lexington; Dr. John Michael Gormley (Catherine) of Louisville; and Kathleen Gormley Johnson (Ron) of Louisville. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, Matthew Gormley Hays, Caroline Gormley, Mark Edward Gormley III, Allison Gormley Herbert (Brian), Hannah Gormley Hays, Mary Grace Gormley, Emma Hughes, Frankie Gormley, Natalie Gormley, Julia Mae Hughes, and Ava Gormley. Mark is also survived by his two sisters, Dorothy V. Shirley of Lexington and Laura Jo Ross of San Diego, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Santina Fritz. Mark graduated from Lexington Latin School in 1949. He then went on to the University of Kentucky, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology after taking time to serve in the military. Following graduate school at UK in Geology, he attended the University of Kentucky College of Law graduating with a Juris Doctor in 1965, where he was selected as a member of the Law Journal and graduated with the distinction of membership in the Order of the Coif. Mark began his legal career in Denver, Colorado, with the law firm of Collis and Eliason, after scoring in the top 5% on the Colorado Bar Exam. In 1966, Mark returned home to Versailles with his family to start his own law practice. During that time, he took a position with the Legislative Research Commission in Frankfort, and while there he was instrumental in preserving the Cumberland Falls in Whitley County, Kentucky. In 1973, he successfully ran for Woodford County Attorney, winning every precinct in the county. He remained in that position until 1993, thereafter returning to private practice law. His love for the law never wavered, practicing right up to his death. A tireless community servant, his record of contribution includes serving 20 years as the Woodford County Attorney, serving 18 years as Master Commissioner of Woodford County, serving 40 years as the attorney for the Woodford County Fire Board, serving on the Board of Directors of the Home Federal Savings and Loan which he started with Charles Blair, and Cubs Scouts Pack Master for Pack 324. As county attorney, he was honored by his colleagues with his election as president of the Kentucky County Attorneys’ Association in 1982, and when he was awarded Kentucky County Attorney of the Year in 1991 by that same organization. During his tenure as county attorney, he was appointed by the Governor of Kentucky to represent the rural counties on the Prosecuting Advisory Council. Mark was a veteran of the US Army Signal Corps where he served on active duty, stationed at Fort Chaffee, AR, Fort Monmouth, NJ, and Fort Clayton in the Panama Canal Zone. Upon discharge, Mark served 8 years in army active reserve. Mark was lifelong member of St. Leo Catholic Church, serving as a member of that church’s parish council and as a member the Diocese of Covington catholic school board. Services to be held at St. Leo Catholic Church, 295 Huntertown Road, Versailles, Kentucky, 40383. Visitation at the church from 5 pm to 8 pm on Friday, July 19, with a funeral service and Requiem Mass on Saturday, July 20, at 11 am. Burial to follow at Versailles Cemetery. Funeral arrangements will be handled by Clark Legacy Center (www.clarklegacycenter.com). Donations in Mark’s name are suggested to St. Leo Catholic Church/School.