The Life of RICHARD JAMES FORD
Dick Ford, 84, of Des Moines, died on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at the V.A. Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
Dick was born March 23, 1933, in Des Moines the son of Loren and Zona (Helman) Ford. He graduated from East High School in January 1951. He was a proud veteran of the USAF as a Communication Specialist from 1951-54, where he served during the Korean War with the 755th Wing, and 4th Fighter Interception Sq.
While ending his Air Force service, he was introduced to Ruth E. Arthur (who worked at the V.A. Hospital in Iowa City) to whom he became married for over 28 years. From this marriage four children were born.
Dick is survived by his children, Mark (Terry Gately-Basinger) Ford of Ankeny, Michael (Kathy) Ford of Clive, Michelle (Jeff) Van Ginkel of West Des Moines, and Marla (Doug) Layton of Polk City; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marilyn (Larry) Palmer of Altoona and Jeanne (Leo) McGough of Warner Robins, GA; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth; his parents; brother, Loren D. “Sonny” Ford; and his beloved dog, Cubby.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, September 30, 2017, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Salvation Army in loving memory of Dick.
Dick was born March 23, 1933, in Des Moines the son of Loren and Zona (Helman) Ford. He graduated from East High School in January 1951. He was a proud veteran of the USAF as a Communication Specialist from 1951-54, where he served during the Korean War with the 755th Wing, and 4th Fighter Interception Sq.
While ending his Air Force service, he was introduced to Ruth E. Arthur (who worked at the V.A. Hospital in Iowa City) to whom he became married for over 28 years. From this marriage four children were born.
Dick is survived by his children, Mark (Terry Gately-Basinger) Ford of Ankeny, Michael (Kathy) Ford of Clive, Michelle (Jeff) Van Ginkel of West Des Moines, and Marla (Doug) Layton of Polk City; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marilyn (Larry) Palmer of Altoona and Jeanne (Leo) McGough of Warner Robins, GA; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth; his parents; brother, Loren D. “Sonny” Ford; and his beloved dog, Cubby.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, September 30, 2017, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Salvation Army in loving memory of Dick.