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Ernest FORD Obituary
FORD, Ernest C. ''Ernie''
(retired Air Force Command Pilot)
On March 4th, Ernest C. Ford (age 88) ended a long battle with cancer and touched the face of God. ''Ernie'' was the eldest son of Walter and Isa Ford of Manzanola, CO. Born in New Mexico, he grew up in Syracuse and Dodge City, KS before moving to Manzanola, CO. He joined the Army in Sept., 1940 and graduated from Advanced Flying School, Luke Airfield, AZ in May, 1942. Ernest Ford was assigned to the first squadron of C-47 transports to fly the Pacific, reaching New Guinea in Oct., 1942. He flew 364 combat missions during WWII, believed to be the most of any USAAF pilot in the War. Ford was credited with saving 3 C-47s, their crew and 87 Australian troops in the Battle of Wau (New Guinea). He earned a battlefield commission and received 6 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 2 Air Medals, and was recommended for the Silver Star. Ernest Ford flew another 21 combat missions during the Korean conflict.
Ford retired from the USAF in 1963 and settled in Sacramento where he served 27 years as a New York Life Insurance Agent. Ernie was a deacon and usher at the First Baptist Church (Sac), Southside Community Church, and Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church.
Ernie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Esther ''Etta'' Trautner of McClusky, ND, 4 children; son Steven (Linda Lacy) of Phoenix, son Terry (Martha Merrill) of Sacramento, daughter Kathy Shea (Ron) of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and daughter Nancy Weaver (Michael) of Houston, TX, and 7 grandchildren; Scott (Santa Monica), Kristy (San Diego), Jeff (Phoenix), and Tammy (Santa Barbara) Ford, and Madison, Morgan, and Matthew Weaver (Houston). Ernie is survived by his brother, Marvin (Texas), and his wife's brothers and sisters Ruth Paynter (Sacramento), Jane Hanson (Scottsdate), Kay Litin (Minneapolis), Paul (Patsy) of Lexington, KY. Jim (Beryl) of Upland, CA, and Chuck Trautner (Scottsdale)
Viewing will be Wednesday, March 10 (3:00 to 7:00 p.m.) at Sierra View Funeral Chapel at 6201 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael. Memorial service will be March 11 (11:00 a.m.) at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church at 11427 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks. Private Interment will be at Fair Oaks Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest FORD
Travis Hanson
November 10, 2010
Thank you for the diary so that we can begin to appreciate all that you did for our country and our family! We are all stronger because of you; you leave a wonderful legacy for all of us to follow.
March 9, 2010
I met Ernie in about 1964/5. He visited my late husband and I and sold us, young newlyweds, life insurance. He was delightful, telling us stories of his time in the service and just generally charming us. I've wondered about him over the years and assumed he had moved or passed when I could find no listing for him in telephone book.
He was a great guy, pleasant and lovable and especially memorable. Please accept my sympathy at your loss.
Linda Beach McCurdy
Carye Wilson
March 8, 2010
I will miss Mr Ford walking down the isle at FOPC. He was so proud and loving. I'm sorry for your loss and happy he is with Jesus now... We will all be together again.
The family is in our prayers.
The Wilson Family
Dan, Carye (from Upland), Dan Jr and Julie Ann.
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Etta Williams
March 7, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Etta Williams
March 7, 2010
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Kanda Ford-Carey
March 7, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Please accept our deepest condolences. May your memories of Uncle Ernie bring you comfort, he was a hero.
Candace Clevenger
March 7, 2010
Ernie Ford was a kind, loving, intelligent, and Godly man; my life was enriched with his friendship.
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