ABPA founder and longtime chairman loses life battle valiantly on March 24, 2011

INDEPENDENCE, KY — A two day event to honor Donald Richard Gorman, Sr. was held here on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 29 and 30, attended by hundreds.

More than 400 people attended either the viewing on Tuesday late afternoon-early evening at the Community Family Pentecostal Church or were in attendance at the services Wednesday morning officiated by Pastor Nora Trent.

ABPA Executive Director Stan Rodman offered the eulogy and also, prior to his words, read a letter which Vicki Gorman had written to Don for this service.

Donald R. Gorman, Sr, passed away early on the morning of Thursday, March 24, after an extended battle with illness which traversed more than two years.

Don Gorman, was a founder of the Automotive Body Parts Association and a longtime industry supporter. He was also co-chair of the Legislative & Regulation Committee.

Gorman was further honored by a Navy color guard with a 21 gun salute. Gorman had served in the Korean War where he was a medical corpsman and was highly decorated for his feats on the battlefield.