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William Hufford Obituary
Conway, AR
William Robert Hufford, better known to radio listeners as Ford Roberts, died May 6, in Conway, AR. Bill, (also called Bob, by family members), was a radio broadcaster for over 50 years and a member of the Iowa Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He was 84.
Born in Storm Lake, IA, Bill graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines in 1942. From 1942-1945, Bill served as a radioman on a LST for the U. S. Navy. Following military duty, Bill attended Drake University. After starting his radio career at KWDM in Des Moines, he joined the WMT Radio staff in Cedar Rapids, IA, where he hosted his popular "Hawkeye Hits" radio program. He also was the weather man on the WMT-TV "Shell Weather Tower". In 1964 he went to WHO Radio in Des Moines where he later became Radio Sales Manager. While with WHO he produced many of the Iowa Hawkeye football broadcasts with Jim Zabel and Bob Earle. His last 13 years in broadcasting were with KRNT hosting and producing the popular "Saturday With Roberts" show. In 2000 the Hufford's retired to the Lake of the Ozarks, and recently had moved to Conway, AR.
Bill is survived by his wife, Betty; and eight children, Bill Hufford (Rosemary), Windsor Heights, Steve Hufford (Gwen), Anchorage, AK, Connie Kauzlarich (Phil), Des Moines, Gary Hufford (Pamelda), Des Moines, Jim Hufford (Karen), West Des Moines, Lisa Hufford, West Des Moines, Lori Quinters (Shane), Coon Rapids, MN, Diane McAllister (Dean), Clinton, AR. The family also includes seventeen grandchildren and nine great-grand children. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and EverLee Hufford; and brothers, Jim and Tom Hufford.
Ford Roberts listeners will remember his deep baritone voice along with his love and outstanding knowledge of the Big Bands and the Big Band era. Friends and family will always remember his wonderful humor and wit.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2009, at McLaren's Chapel in West Des Moines, IA. Donations may be made in honor of Ford Roberts to: The Iowa Broadcasting Quarton/ McElroy Scholarship Fund, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, 200 First Street S.W., Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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