Howard C. Ford

Howard Clellon Ford, 93 of Lacey Washington, passed away peacefully Thursday August 24th 2017. Born October 4th 1923 in Heflin Alabama. He was the son of the late Delona Powers and Versie Parrish Ford.
Sergeant Major Ford dedicated his life to family, the Lord and the United States Army. Serving his country for 34 years. He was a young man of 19 years on the sands of Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion. He also served in the Korean War as well as 2 tours in Vietnam. Mr. Ford is the recipient of the Army's Distinguished Service Cross, 2 Silver Stars, 4 Bronze Stars, Legion of Merit and Purple Heart with 2 Oak leaf clusters. He was a combat Infantry man his entire career. He served with both the 2nd Infantry division as well as the 9th Infantry division later in his service. Retiring as a Sergeant Major while serving on Fort Lewis.
Mr. Ford was a very spiritual man with a generous heart. Amusing storyteller with a quirky sense of humor, always the first to laugh at his own jokes. He was an avid woodworker, carpenter and gardener. Most of all, Mr. Ford was a devoted husband and father……proud, strong, steady, reliable presence in his family's lives. He will be greatly missed.
Mr. Ford is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Takeko Ford; daughter and son in-law Lolane and Michael Tappon; sister Mrs. Eunice Cox of Moultrie Georgia and many other relatives. Mr. Ford was preceded in death by his parents, 8 sisters and 4 brothers.
Funeral services will be held on Friday September 8th 2017 at Mills and Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater Washington. Viewing at 10:00 and graveside services including Military honors at 11:00