Merl Ford

July 13, 1936 - July 26, 2010
LAPORTE - Mr. Merl "Pete" Ford, 74, of LaPorte, died peacefully Monday 8:50 AM on July 26, 2010, in the Golden Living Center/Countryside with friends and family at his side. Mr. Ford was born July 13, 1936, in Bisbee, North Dakota, to Earl and Dorothy (Gooderjohn) Ford. On May 6, 1956, in LaPorte, he married Shirley J. Green, who preceded him in death on July 23, 2006. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. A Union Electrian/Electrical Estimator for Square Deal Electric and Cattron Electrical Contracting. Past President LaPorte Park & Recreational Board, served on LaPorte City Council, LaPorte County Library Board member, 40 years as head coach for the LaPorte Sporstman Baseball Team, LaPorte Old Timers Baseball Association, past president La Porte Democratic Civic Club, U.S. Army veteran, and played baseball in Special Services in the 1950s while he was in service. He leaves behind two sons, Scott (Audrey) Ford of LaPorte and Kevin (Sarah) Ford, also of La Porte. One granddaughter Abagail Ford, and one grandson, Zachary Ford. Two brothers, Eugene Earl Ford and Jerry (Carol) Ford, both of LaPorte. Two sisters, Nola (Ray) Rheinholtz and Judith Lee (Tom) Button, both of LaPorte. He was preceded in death by parents, wife and one brother, Nole Richard Ford, and one sister, Gayle Sandra Bumgardner. A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 29th 2010, at 11:00 AM in Essling Funeral Home, with Dr. Joseph Loftis officiating. Visitation will be held today, July 28th, from 4-8 PM and Thursday 10-11 AM in the Essling Funeral Home. Burial will be at Pine Lake Cemetery with full military graveside service. Memorial contributions may be made to LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. State Road 2, LaPorte, IN 46350. Arrangements are being handled by Essling Funeral Home. Family and friends may leave their condolences at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.