Claude Lamar Ford Jr.

1954 - 2022

Claude Lamar Ford, Jr. of Poughkeepsie, NY was born in New York on January 14, 1954, to the late Claude Lamar Ford, Sr, and Rev. Essie Ford.The family moved from New York City in 1957 to Accord, NY, where he grew to love horses and playing his guitar. Claude began his education at Accord Elementary School.Later the family moved to Ossining, NY where he attended Anne M. Dorner Middle School and was the president of the student body. Upon returning to Accord, NY, he attended Rondout Valley High School. At an early age he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized and dedicated.“Cowboy” as he was affectionately called, developed a love for music at an early age and was a talented singer, guitarist, and song writer. He played in “The Tide Water Mansion” band and a second band called, “Shanon.” His love for music included several genres, but mostly Folk, R & B and Rock, with Jimi Hendricks being his favorite. He also had an extensive collection of guitars. In addition to his love of music and horses, Claude had a love for cars and made it a lucrative venture as he bought and sold old cars.Claude was a counselor at St Peters School in Peekskill, NY, Jenny Clarkson School for Children in Hawthorne, NY and for Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY.Claude was dedicated to family and loved his children and grandchildren. Ironically, being the only boy among five girls, he was blessed with five daughters and five grandsons.Claude departed this life at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Yonkers, NY on Friday, April 15, 2022, at the age of sixty-eight. After several months of declining health, Claude slipped away while surrounded by his beloved family.Cowboy was predeceased by his parents Claude and Essie, and his daughter, Krysti. He is survived by his long time companion Kelly O’Toole; his daughters, Shanon, Nicole, Dakota and Cheyenne; his five grandsons, Marcus, Jayce, Amir, Neko and Cairo; his five sisters, Claudette Ford, Kingston, NY, Jocylyn Pannasch, Kerhonkson, NY, Theresa Ford, New York, NY, Joi Ford and Dierdre Ford, both of Olan Mills, MD; his brothers William and Wallace Pierce, Kerhonkson, NY and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loving friends and relatives.A memorial service for Claude Ford will be held at Joseph J. Darrow Funeral Home, Inc., 39 South Hamilton St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 on Monday, April 25, 2022, at 5:00 – 6:30pm. Service will also be on FaceBook Live and via Zoom Meeting ID: 867 3287 7984 Passcode: Ford; Dial by your location +929 205 6099 (New York); +301 715 8592 (Washington, DC); +312 626 6799 (Chicago); +253 215 8782 (Tacoma); +346 248 7799 (Houston); +669 900 6833 (San Jose) https://www.lastingmemories.com/claude-lamar-ford-jr