Ford B. Cauffiel

Ford Cauffiel

Ford Cauffiel passed away peacefully Saturday, August 16th, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., at the age of 94, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on October 20th, 1930, in Toledo, OH, to Elda (Bevard) Cauffiel and Joseph Lowell Cauffiel. Ford graduated from Libbey High School, 1948, and attended University of Detroit for two years and went on to change the world through his entrepreneurial journey in the heavy steel machinery industry. Ford's legacy lives on far past his time on earth as he impacted so many with over 70 years in business and his dedication to the community of Toledo.

Ford's journey started at a young age when he fell in love with machines, engines, and learned how things were assembled and worked. This curiosity would allow him to later found his company, Cauffiel Industries, and many other companies which would take him on a life-long global journey in the business space. A few of Ford's notable accomplishments in life were the invention of the Cauffiel Engine, (in partnership with his brothers, Lowell, and Daniel), inventor/holder of 27 patents, recipient of the Presidents "E" Award (1974) for outstanding achievement in expanding exports of his metal processing equipment, achieving Doctorate of Humane Letters from University of Detroit Mercy, achieving the University of Detroit Mercy "Engineering and Science Lifetime Achievement Award," and best-selling author at the age of 92 with his book, "Master Entrepreneur. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness in the Unforgiving World of Entrepreneurship."

Ford inspired many with his patents, inventions, and even focused heavily on the youth in Toledo to learn more about science and engineering. One area Ford was very passionate about was children's education and helping students learn to become independent thinkers through tutoring. S.O.S or otherwise known as "Students for Other Students" was a brainchild idea that was launched in Toledo, OH, 1989, through the school systems. The mission was simple but impactful, paying students to tutor younger students "who were falling through the cracks" as Ford would say, to become school ready. This not only helped younger students, but it also taught the older students about empathy and entrepreneurship.

Ford was also a very notable member of the Reynold's Corners Rotary Club where he attended weekly to conversate with fellow friends and Rotary members. He truly believed in the Rotary mission, "Service Above Self" and he was always willing to jump in and share any resources possible to help advance the community and mission of RCRC. He joined Reyonld's Corners Rotary Club May 22, 2001, and served as club president 2007-2008.

Outside of his business endeavors, Ford enjoyed spending time traveling with his wife, Phyllis, (married January 18, 1976), and visiting with family. Through the years Ford was able to travel to majority of the world, and often would share about the African plains being his favorite destination. Ford was also known for his private car collection which housed some very special and rare cars which he always enjoyed sharing stories with new people who wanted to learn more. He also used his car collection to raise money for S.O.S and other charities. Ford truly believed in giving back and helping others no matter what. This applied to both community members and those who worked with him.

Ford was able to live a long life due to his love for golf and tennis. Ford and Phyllis, being residents of The Stone Oak Country club, were avid players and achieving success in both games through club tournaments and matches. The love for both games would carry on for many years in Ford's life and established many relationships with fellow players. Lastly, Ford was an avid bird watcher and even owned a beautiful parrot named Darwin (picture with Ford) and would spend many evenings with Darwin enjoying each other's company along with his four-legged best friend, his dog, Lucky.

Ford was preceded in death by father, Joseph Lowell Cauffiel; mother, Elda (Bevard) Cauffiel; daughter-in-law, Julie (Mueting) Cauffiel; brothers, Lowell Cauffiel, Daniel Cauffiel; sisters, Wilma Dominque, Elda Krach.

Ford is survived by wife, Phyllis (Hobbs) Cauffiel; son, Ford Tobey Cauffiel (Jaleh Hojat); daughter, Sheree Lee Englehardt (Charles); grandchildren, Justin Ford Cauffiel, Andrew Lowell Cauffiel (Maggie), Brandi Lee Pottinger (Mitchell), Dustin Charles Englehardt; great-grandchildren, Chloe Rose Pottinger.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to TutorSmart Toledo, P.O. Box 141272, Toledo, OH 43614.

This honors Ford's lifelong commitment to children's education, as his 36-year legacy with S.O.S. (Students for Other Students) tutoring and mentoring countless young children, will now live on through TutorSmart Toledo.

Visitation and the funeral service will take place on Monday, August 25, at The First Unitarian Church of Toledo, located at 3205 Glendale Ave, Toledo, OH 43614. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Memorial Service at 10:30 a.m. Interment and final resting eulogy at Woodlawn Cemetery.

www.wisniewskifuneral.net