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BORN
1918
DIED
2008
Col. John Ford Obituary
Col. Ford was born Sept. 11, 1918 in Bryan to Rosalie and Oliver Ford, and was raised in Crockett during his formative years. He attended Texas A&M University before entering the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet. Col. Ford, a B-17 pilot, served his country during World War II as did his older brother, Col. Oliver Edwin Ford, also a pilot in the European Theater, who was killed in the line of duty. Jack completed 25 successful missions during World War II. He was an accomplished pilot who was known for his flying ability. An article from the 96th Bomb Group Reunion remembered a log entry from a mission where the bombardier described shooting down an enemy fighter, "However ... the biggest thrill was the buzz-job Jack gave the base on our return. If the wheels had been down, we would have been on the ground."
Jack was quite proud of being from the Great State of Texas and was known for wearing his black cowboy boots with the white Texas Star while on bombing missions. For his service he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and a Purple Heart along with other medals and commendations.
While serving in the 8th Air Force in England, he met his beloved wife Anna Leczner, who was an active duty nurse. Jack and Ann enjoyed 58 happy years of marriage, while he continued his Air Force career. Col. Ford retired as the commander of the 3rd Mobile Communications Group at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma. He and Ann spent their retirement years at Lake Texoma in Pottsboro.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and beloved wife Anna. He is survived by his children: Jacqueline Ann and husband Cliff Shatos of Novato, Calif., Col. James E. Ford, USAF (Ret.) and wife Bird of Albuquerque, N.M., John T. Ford Jr. and wife Janice of Azle, and Jerry Ford and wife Pamela of Monroe, La.; granddaughters, Capt. Rebecca Ford Burbridge, USAFR and husband Dean (a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army currently serving in Afghanistan), Sarah Ford Rich and husband, Dave, Larissa Ford, Jamie Ford Zacharias and husband Andrew, Julie Ford, Amy Ford Hill and husband, Jason and Anna Ford; one great-grandson, Jacob Hill; nieces, Olivia Ford Munson and Patsy Ford Holmes, both of Houston, Texas; and many cousins.
The family sincerely appreciates caregiver angels, Debbie, Joy and Darlene for all their kindness during Jack's final days and Judy for helping both of our parents. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home Hospice of Grayson County, P.O. Box 2306, Sherman, TX 75091-2306; the VFW Post 7873, c/o Comd. Joe McDaniel, 250 VFW Dr., Pottsboro, Texas 75076; or the American Legion Post 231 c/o Comd. Ed Ketter, 133 Army Ave., Pottsboro, TX 75076.
Johnson-Moore Funeral Home in Denison has charge of local arrangements. To register condolences go to [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Col. John Ford
William Alves
September 22, 2025
I was a Chief Master Sergeant in Germany when I worked for Colonel Ford. A real true leader. One day at a staff meeting he asked all of us to describe what Leadership means. Not, repeat , not, what management means. He said any body can describe management. It's simply means Planning. Organizing, directing and controlling. We then went around the table and each person rambled on about what leadership means. Then Colonel Ford said , and I'll never forget this, he said "Gentlemen, the answer is in two words and those two words are "FOLLOW ME". Remember this, never ask your troops to do something that you haven't done and always lead from the front". I'm now long retired and 88 years old and still remember that staff meeting. God Bless you Jack Ford!
David Hagen
July 11, 2017
He was my commanding officer at Hamilton Air Force Base in 1952. I knew him and Anna, and their children when I was paid by them to care for them, off duty, after my return from Korea, until my discharge. A wonderful family. S/Sgt. (now U. S. District Judge (Ret.)) David Warner Hagen.
POLLY TURNER
December 2, 2008
I AM BRIG. GEN. JOSEPH TURNER'S WIFE.HE PASSED AWAY 5 YRS.AGO. WE SO ENJOYED JACK AND ANNA AT 96TH BOMB GRP. CONVENTIONS. JACK WAS A HANDSOME MAN AND A SUPER PILOT. HE WILL BE MISSED.
John Latham
November 30, 2008
My wife Dot and I send our condolences and prayers to the family of Col Jack Ford. I served with Jack in the 96th BG, he was highly thought of, and an excellent pilot.
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Geoff & Margaret Ward
November 25, 2008
It is with sadness we learn of the passing of a dear and respected friend. Through our association with the 96th Bomb Group, we remember Jack and Ann's visit to our home in England and also the happy times we spent at their home in Texas. Our condolences to all his family.
Ray and Shirley and Family Kudrna
November 7, 2008
To the entire Ford Family, we offer our regrets and sympathy, in the loss of your Father. He was a great man, who had many good stories to tell. He loved life and he loved his family, and now, will be missed by all! We share in your sorrow, and have you all in our thoughts and our prayers!
Al Thornburg
November 5, 2008
Col. Ford was the commander of my first assignment in the USAF (3rd MCG, TAFB, OK) in July 1966. I was a Airman 2nd Class. There weren't many of us in those days. Col. Ford has always remained in my mind for several deeds: His FORD COUNTRY flag (from Arthur Harris Ford) after TAFB officials told him he could not fly the American flag at the 3rd Mob area; the time he dyed his hair black and no one knew him; and the best was his deportment while working with the local boy scout storage area on Tinker. A great leader, a man to be looked up to and will always be remembered.
T Underwood
November 4, 2008
I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Mr. Ford was a man who made a difference. My condolences, Therese Underwood
Terry Mahan
November 4, 2008
Terry and Sandi Mahan rember fondly our visits with Jack & Ann at their Texoma Lake home. We pray for all the family and celebrate Jack's life.
CONNIE OWENS
November 4, 2008
Even though I did not know Mr. Ford, I would have liked to have told him how much I appreciated his time that he served our country. It would have been a joy to sit and listen to his many stories he had to share. I also think he has set a wonderful example for his family as he has other family members that are serving our country as well. He is a true Hero! And thank you to the other family members as well. Your sacrifices have not gone unoticed. God Bless and keep you. And thank you for your Heroism.
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