Ford, L. Whitey

L. Whitey Ford, 80, of Coralville, died peacefully Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at home surrounded by his family.

Memorial services to celebrate his life will be held Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Lensing's Oak Hill, Coralville with Rev. Maurie Campbell officiating. The family will greet friends after 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at the Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Iowa City Elks Club General Fund.

Whitey was born April 11, 1931 in Fairmount, N.C., the son of Bracy and Jane Ford.

Whitey attended Campbell College and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. In the Army he played on the U.S. Army Special Services Baseball Team. Whitey was drafted by the Chicago Cubs organization to play in their farm system. While playing baseball in Burlington, Iowa he met and married Barbara Vogelelsang on June 23, 1956.

Whitey had been employed by Campbell Chain Company, where he was territorial manager. Whitey and Barbara moved to this area 28 years ago. He was a member of the Elks Club. Most important to Whitey were his family and his love of golf.

Whitey is survived by his loving wife Barbara and their two children, Kristy (Keith) Lux of Fountain Hills, Ariz. and Michael (Lisa) Ford of North Liberty; four grandchildren, Ashley, Michael, Amanda and Tate; his sister, Audra Beeler of Charlotte, N.C.; sister-in-law Diane Dreusicke Riley of Coralville; four nieces, Pamela, Connie, Lisa and Terri; and two nephews, Mark and Jim.

Whitey was preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law, Linda.