Ford, Donald F.

Donald F. Ford (Colonel)

U. S. Air Force, Retired

1922-2012

Don Ford, 90, died peacefully in Medford, Ore., Dec. 29, 2012, with family members at his side.

He spent 32 years in the military achieving the rank of colonel, having enlisted in the Army in 1942, then the Air Force, serving until his retirement in 1974. He served in the 2nd Armored Division in Europe during World War II, then the Korean conflict. Ford earned three Meritorious Service Medals and a Bronze Star. Upon his retirement, Ford worked for the State of Oregon in various positions until his “second retirement” in 1980.

Don was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Patrick and Mabel Ford. He married the love of his life, Lorraine Wilson in August 1946 in Cedar Rapids. As a career military man, the family lived throughout the United States and abroad in Japan and Iceland. In 1970, Ford accepted his last military assignment as the senior officer of the U. S. Air Force ROTC program at the University of Oregon in Eugene. Since his retirement, the family has called Eugene “home.”

Don loved education and was a life long learner. He received his Bachelor's degree in Economics-Education at Coe College in Cedar Rapids in 1943 and his Master of Arts in Education-Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. in 1958. Ford earned his Ph.D. in Education-Latin American Studies from St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo. in 1966. Finally, he completed a Post Doctorate Fellowship at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Ore. in 1974. He continued his education through reading, traveling and taking continuing education classes throughout his retirement.

Don received many awards and citations throughout his military and civilian careers. He worked extensively for the Latino Center in Eugene, Ore., where he regularly practiced his Spanish.

Don was a member of St. Jude Parish in Eugene, Ore. and Shepherd of the Valley Catholic Church in Central Point, Ore. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus having achieved the Honors of the Fourth Degree.

Don and Lorraine loved to travel and throughout their lives took many trips abroad and to every part of the United States.

Don is survived by his brother, Robert Ford and wife, Arlis of Hiawatha; sister-in-law, Patty Ford of Seattle, Wash.; sister-in-law, Nadine Klima of Palm Harbor, Fla; and children, Dan and wife Yong of Seoul South Korea, Chris Ford of Keller, Texas, Jim and wife Sandie of Ashland, Ore., Steve and wife Babs of Medford, Ore. and Leslie Sully and husband Henry of Columbia, S.C.

He had eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lorraine; and his brother, Gene Ford.

Dad was a great friend, father, veteran and hero. He will be remembered for his wit and ability to make all who knew and loved him laugh. We know he is with Lorraine “forever traveling with Angels”.

A memorial service was held at Perl Funeral Home in Medford, Ore. on Jan. 5, 2013.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be sent to: Coe College Foundation, 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 or Jesuit Association, 4511 W. Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108.

Published in The Gazette Jan. 16, 2013.