Lester Ray "Buddy" Ford

Graveside services for Lester Ray "Buddy" Ford, age 81 of Matador, Texas, formerly of Seminole, Texas, will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Gaines County Cemetery (south) beginning at 10:00 a.m. with Michael Crowley, Jr. officiating. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home of Seminole. In keeping with Buddy's loving and generous spirit, donations can be made to the Westview Boys' Home, PO Box 553, Hollis, OK 73550. Family visitation will be held Monday, October 27, 2025 at Boyer Funeral Home from 6 to 7 p.m. Buddy's family has lovingly provided the following obituary.

Buddy Ford was born in Lamesa, Texas, on March 21, 1944, to Cecil "Roy" and Frances Ford. He grew up in Tahoka, Texas, and graduated from Texas Tech University. He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War, where he was stationed in Tan Sah Nhut. He was awarded the Bronze Star and National Defense Service Medal. Thereafter he returned to west Texas where he worked the land, raised his family, and was employed by Gaines County until he retired in 2009.

He married the love of his life, Sandra Kay Vineyard, on December 30, 1966, and they celebrated 47 beautiful years of marriage. After retiring, they joined their daughter's family in Colorado. Following Sandra's passing, Buddy lived near his son's family in Matador. He always found a way to bring a smile to everyone he met along his way. He spent his last years under the care of many compassionate caregivers, where his kindness and humor touched everyone he met. He was a humble man who loved the Lord and his family and was affectionately known as Poppa.

Those left to cherish his memory are his son GaryDon Ford with wife Denise of Roaring Springs, Texas; daughter Tana Anderson with husband J. Brandon of Fort Collins, Colorado; daughter Amanda Leventhal with husband Michael of Laguna Niguel, California; grandchildren Meagan Pope and husband Trent, Mikenna Westfall and husband Conner, Alivia Anderson, and Zethan Anderson; and extended family, his brother Denver Ford with wife Betty; brother-in-law Dale Molone; niece Delynna Smith and family; nephew Tim Ford; nephew Denny Ford and family; niece Cristy Paulette and family; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and sisters-in-law Joan Ford and Donna Molone.

Buddy Ford passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Crown Point Health Suites in Lubbock, Texas.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the amazing team at Crown Point Heath Suites and Interim Healthcare. Your dedication, expertise, and unwavering support were a true gift to our entire family. We are forever grateful for the love and care you provided. His humor and humility will be dearly missed by all who knew and still love him. May blessings be upon you, may favor rest upon your family, may your future be with a holy legacy. James 4:10

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