Douglas Lee Ford

Douglas Lee Ford obituary, Fort Myers, FL

Douglas Lee Ford

Douglas Ford Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from May 4 to May 5, 2023.
Douglas Lee Ford: Born July 15th, 1950, residing in Ft. Myers Florida, passed away suddenly on May 1st, 2023. Preceded in death by spouses Shelly Verbos and Karen Reitman. Survived by sibling Virginia (Eric) Jensen, Preceded in death by siblings Donald Ford and Larry Ford. Survived by son Michael (Elizabeth) and grandchildren Ava and Nathan, by son Jason (Christina) and grandchildren Alissia and Ariana, and by daughter Melanie (Bradley) and grandchild Magnolia.

Douglas led a life of service, enlisting in the Navy (1967-1970) and after pursued a degree in Finance and spent much of his career in various roles with the Michigan Department of Corrections before retiring and moving to Florida in 2011. Doug always sought to make improvements, and one of Doug's career highlights was designing and overseeing the building of better housing facilities for mentally challenged inmates. Doug was also a successful Mechanical and General Contractor who ran his own business up until his death.

Doug believed in hard honest work. To be resourceful, earn and demand respect, and always be up for a challenge. Be loyal, defend and take pride in your family, speak up for what's right. Honor above all. Even in the last few months prior to his death, Doug spent free time volunteering at the local hospital. He was well known in his neighborhood and a great friend.

A few of Doug's favorite things were his wife, his kids, his boats, a bright colored shirt (or no shirt at all), a gold chain, a good steak with a sausage on the side, a plate of corn, and Seagram's 7 or a glass of Chardonnay.

Doug will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

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

Sign Douglas Ford's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 28, 2025

Joanne Sockwell posted to the memorial.

May 10, 2023

Margaret & Erich Beregszaszy posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2023

Kimberly Fong Kong planted trees.

Joanne Sockwell

April 28, 2025

Miss him so much, Doug was more than a friend for over 25 years, he was my brother. RIP my brother.

Margaret & Erich Beregszaszy

May 10, 2023

Deepest condolences to the families. Are thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Single Memorial Tree

Kimberly Fong Kong

Planted Trees

Pam kramer

May 6, 2023

He was a great man , and a very good friend , going to miss him dearly !!!! He will never be forgotten !!!!!! Always In Our hearts and minds !!!!!!!

Elainna J Schlutow

May 5, 2023

Doug was always so sweet and kind to me as Melanie´s friend across the street. I will never forget how loving, caring, and devoted he was to his family. May he rest in peace and his family be comforted in the happy memories. My sincere condolences to all of Doug´s family and friends.

Joanne Sockwell

May 5, 2023

My brother, my friend oh how I miss you. We have been friends for over 30 years, your loss breaks my heart. Rest well my brother, you gave earned your wings. There will never be another you and I thank God for our friendship. Now you are with Karen and Shelley. I will always love you my brother. Joanne Sockwell

Joanne Sockwell

May 5, 2023

To my brother, I miss you so much. Doug and I have been friends for over 30 years. In every sense of the word he was my brother. I loved and will always love him, he was my family. Rest in peace with Karen and Shelley, you have earned your wings. Love you guy, your sister, Joanne Sockwell

Melanie Munoz-Delgado

May 5, 2023

My sincere condolences to the entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Andrew

May 5, 2023

Dear Mr. Ford,

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting you, your life has had a direct impact on mine through your daughter, Melanie. I have enjoyed working alongside her for several years now, and from one father to another, I must say, well done. You raised such a talented, bright, loyal, and strong woman who has supported me throughout my career and has positively impacted many others who have been in her care. I hope and pray to follow in your footsteps for my girls.

I can say with confidence that your legacy will live on through Melanie and your granddaughter, Maggie. I promise my family will continue to pray for yours to find comfort and peace during this difficult time. Please give God a hug for me and tell Him I love Him.

Warm regards,

Andrew

Single Memorial Tree

Madison Bernstein

Planted Trees

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Douglas Ford's name

How to support Douglas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Douglas Ford's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Douglas Ford's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 28, 2025

Joanne Sockwell posted to the memorial.

May 10, 2023

Margaret & Erich Beregszaszy posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2023

Kimberly Fong Kong planted trees.