SPRINGFIELD, IL – Kenneth M. Gorda, 79, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2019, at Heritage Health Hospice.

He was born May 25, 1940, to Fred and Anna Katherine (Power) Gorda. He was married to Marianne Poulson December 9, 1961 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception by the Reverend (now Bishop) Victor Balke. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Kenneth M. Gorda; brother, Fred "Sonny" Gorda; two half-sisters, Violet Klickna and Anna Frazier, one half-brother, Donald Waud, and one of his two best friends, Vincent Calcara.

Kenneth was a U.S. Air Force veteran earning his Associate Arts degree. He was employed by Kroger Co. for many years, then retired from Springfield Mass Transit District as a driver and trainer for 23 years. He enjoyed bowling for many years with his other best friend Jerry Horn, playing banjo/guitar, and spending 18 years as a snowbird in Zephyrhills, Florida with Marianne. They loved playing pinochle with his brother and wife who lived there year-round.  He was a HAM radio operator, avid Illini fan and a lifelong STL Cardinals fan. He loved the music of Elvis Presley with whom he and another airman had an hour-long private lunch in 1957 on a train en route to MacDill AFB right after basic training in San Antonio, Texas.  Elvis told them he was headed to New Orleans to film "King Creole" and had asked the porter to clear the dining car. He wanted to know how they liked life in the service. He joined the Army soon after their encounter, and Ken always was proud of and cherished that memory. Music was a huge part of his life and he enjoyed playing the banjo with other musicians in Zephyr Park in Florida. He and Marianne's musical talent was passed down to his three kids, who were taught to sing and harmonize together as children. He was the biggest fan of K.C.'s guitar playing and singing and was so proud to hear Suzy sing with various bands. He had a goofy sense of humor and may have been the original creator of "Dad Jokes". He is survived by his wife, Marianne; children, Suzanne "Suzy" Carnes of Springfield, Kenneth Christopher (KC) Gorda of Pleasant Plains, and Cindy Gorda of Springfield; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law Kathryn and Jim Perry of Girard; sister-in-law Ellen Griffin of Hilliard, Ohio, several cousins, nieces and nephews; and his 4-legged best friend, Willie the Westie.

Per Kenneth's wishes, his body was donated to medical science.  A funeral Mass will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702 or the charity of your choice.