Earl Ford

Jack "Earl" Ford passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on May 6, 1934, in Cambridge, Idaho, to Iva and Jack Ford, Earl lived a life defined by service and a deep love for the outdoors.

Earl served in the US Army from September 17, 1957, to September 1, 1959. He was stationed in Nancy France.

Earl married Cherie Lee Toomb on August 26, 1961.

Earl lived in Payette, Idaho, from 1967 to 2012, where he completed a 32-year career with Idaho Power. During his time in Payette, he was a pillar of the community, coaching and managing Little League for over 10 years, leading a 4-H livestock club, and serving on the Payette County Fair Board for many years. In recognition of his years of service there is a barn at the Payette County fairgrounds bearing his name.

An avid outdoorsman, you would often find him fishing or hunting in Idaho. After his retirement, Earl spent 15 years with Cherie enjoying summer sport fishing in Southeast Alaska where he made many friends.

In 2012, Earl moved to Melba, Idaho, to be closer to his family. He remained active in his later years, volunteering at the community food bank and participating in activities at the Melba Community Center.

Earl is survived by his wife Cherie (Toomb); his son, Steven (Lori) Ford of Redmond, OR; his daughter, Kerrie (Ed) Smith of Melba, ID; and his daughter, Jody (Mike) Flora of Boise, ID. He also leaves behind his grandsons: Colter (Sierra) Smith of Grandview, ID; Cooper (Mackenzie) Smith of Melba, ID; and Ryan (Leah) Flora of Wenatchee, WA; Great Grand Daughter Esme Flora, Wenatchee, WA; Sister Ruby (Roy) Braun, Cambridge, ID; and many nieces and nephews

The family requests that in leu of flowers, that donations be made to the Melba Community Center or the Cambridge Baptist Church.