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Gerald Ford Obituary

GERALD "BUD" FORD, 79, went to be with the Lord Jesus Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008. Born July 1, 1929, he was a member of South Milford Church of Christ and loved his log home on Pretty Lake. Bud loved his wife of 61 years, Mary Ellen. He also loved to hunt and fish, especially at his cabin in Wyoming. He enjoyed sailing, and loved cooking for family and friends. He will be truly missed by family and friends. He was "the best clothes presser" in Fort Wayne after graduating from high school. He worked at Kunkle Valve, then went into the pizza business with the purchase of Lexy's Pizza Den over 40 years ago. He loved to play Rook, holding an annual Rook tournament for over 20 years with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen of Wolcottville; daughters, Debra (Larry) Easterday of Cedarville and Merilee Grace Ford of Austin, Texas; sons, Jess (Anne) Ford of Florida, Greg (Sally) Ford of New Haven and John (Kathy) Ford of Fort Wayne; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Margie Holderman and Monna Winchester, both of Fort Wayne; and brother, Thaine Ford of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Dorothy Ford; and step-grandson, Brian Ramey. "He was beloved by many and will be missed by all. Bud was a good man and led a good life. We will miss him." Service is 1:30 p.m. Monday at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road. Michael Booher officiating. Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens. Memorials to South Milford Church of Christ.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Jan. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Ford

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Debbie Easterday

January 28, 2009

Dad in 2 days you will have been gone for a month and I miss you so much. I so looked forward to Larry and I going up to the lake to spend the weekend with you and Mom. It was the highlight of our week. We had so much fun playing cards and just spending time together. We loved taking the boat out and Sara and Peanut and just enjoyed the peacefulness of the lake. You always liked looking at the log cabin from a distance. You were so proud of it. One time we were out in the middle of the lake and the motor stopped, that was quite an ordeal, stranded on Pretty Lake.
Dad I just want to thank you for all the times you rescued me when I didn't think I needed you to. And then I remember the last time you rescued me.. you asked do you want me to come get you and I said YES!!!!!!! Dad thank you for loving and accepting me and looking out for my best interests . You are a very special Dad. It is so hard and lonely with you not being here. I just want to look at you, touch you, talk to you and play some cards with you. You brightened up my life Dad as you did everyone who recieved a phone call from you or got to see you or even just was lucky enough to know you. WE all miss you so very much. Mischa missed you to Dad. When we all came to your house after the viewing she looked at the power chair where you always sat and then she looked at your recliner. The next night she did the same thing and then when she looked at the recliner Dwight was sitting in it and she looked like she was thinking that's not my Grandpa. She is so much like you Dad because she loves people just as you do and she brightens up everyones day. Dad , Mom misses you so much but she is doing well and I am sure you are so proud of her just as we are. We are all so glad Dad that you are no longer in pain and that you are in heaven with a fully restored body.That helps us deal with all the sadness and lonliness we are feeling. Even thought you are busy cooking up lots of feasts and catching up with everyone in heaven I know you still have time to look down on your beautiful wife and your kids , grandkids , family and friends and make sure we are okay. I love you so much Dad and I am proud of you. With Love your daughter, Debi oxoxc I will see you again

January 9, 2009

Mary & Family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Lynda & I have great memories with
you and Bud. Specially, the sailing.
Sincerely,
Barabra Wright & Family
Largo,FL.

Martin Olry

January 7, 2009

John:

I am sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My Dad just past away the day after Christmas. My deepest sympathies go to you and your family. Lexy's is still the best pizza on the planet.

Lisa Hartzell-Underwood

January 7, 2009

Mary, Greg and family my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family at this time. I used to bowl with Mary many years ago and know some of you through the Broadway Christian church many years ago. Lexy's Pizza and those wonderful grinders will always be the best in town.

Ray & Jenny Bunch

January 6, 2009

Bud, I will miss you dearly. You were so good to my parents and our family. I'm sure Dad was there waiting on you and by now you have played many games of Rook in Heaven. May God Bless the family and many friends you left behind. We will look forward to eating one of your great meals when we see you in Heaven. Love always

Steve & Cathy McElhoe

January 5, 2009

John, Kathy and family - so sorry to hear of your loss. Cherish the memories you have, as it will give you great strenghth in the days, months and years to come. Our deepest sympathy. The McElhoe's

Sara Ford-Terry

January 3, 2009

My grandpa was an amazing person, whose ambitiousness and drive was like no other. His many successes are a testament to that. When I was very young, he taught me that I could accomplish anything, even if it seemed impossible, as long as I worked hard and believed in myself. None of us will be the same, Grandpa, now that you are gone, but I know that I will always have you watching over me in heaven, encouraging me to be the best that I can be and to never give up. I love you and will miss you!

John & Kathy Ford

January 3, 2009

Dearest dad,

We're very sad without you. We will pray to get stronger and cherish every memory of you. We'll all miss you dearly. We love you so much dad

Adam Ford

January 3, 2009

Dear Grandpa,

You were the only grandpa in my life and i will truly miss you. I'm going to miss your wonderful smile. Thank you so much for being such a great grandpa and we will see you in heaven. We will all look after grandma for you.

D'Angelo Ford

January 3, 2009

Dear Grandpa,

I'll never forget your hugs. I Love You

D'Angelo Ford

Larry Easterday

January 3, 2009

Bud was a father to me after mine passed away. I will miss my Rook and Canasta partner, he was the best. I will cherish my memories and never forget. Good bye Bud, we will see you in Heaven

Tim & Joyce Easterday

January 2, 2009

To Mary and the Ford family,
We are very sorry to hear of Bud's passing. May the Lord give you comfort and peace during this difficult time. You are all in our prayers.

January 2, 2009

Grandpa,
You are loved by so many and will truly be missed. Save us all a spot with you in heaven. I love you.
Danielle

Marilyn Easterday

January 1, 2009

To Mary and family,
May God bless you and grant you peace at this time of sorrow.

Dave and Rhonda Garner

January 1, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Devra Easterday

January 1, 2009

Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Ford Family. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. Just know that the Lord Jesus is with all of you through this difficult time. We will be thinking of you all. Sincerely, The Robert Easterday Family,
Rob, Devra and Travis

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