James "Dude" Ford

James "Dude" Ford, 88, returned to the love of his life, Charline "Charlie" Haney Ford, and his Lord and Savior in heaven on Friday, June 10, with the rising sun guiding his onward journey home. Mr. Ford entered peacefully into eternity at his home surrounded by his family.

Born and raised in Marion, Kentucky, the son of Esdie and Kathleen Ford, Mr. Ford moved to Evansville, Indiana, in his early adulthood for work. He later returned to Fords Ferry Road in Marion, Kentucky, to finish raising his family.

He held many jobs over the years, never afraid of a hard day's work, but one of Mr. Ford's favorites was at Servel, Inc., where he constructed airplane wings. Now he has wings of his own. Mr. Ford retired from Henry and Henry Monuments, where he crafted his own headstone.

An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Ford absolutely loved to ride his four-wheeler, even well into his 80s. He also felt just as at home fishing at Maple Sink Lake as he did at home with his family.

Mr. Ford had a trademark look: blue jeans, a white undershirt, a deep green button-up, and an infectious smile on his face. That is how his family and loved ones will remember him.

Mr. Ford is survived by a son, Larry Wayne Ford; a daughter, Reta Gail Ford-Riley; two grandchildren, Derrick Collin Ford and Kennedy Mariah-Kathryn Ford; one great-granddaughter, Aria Lily-McKenah Ford; 2 Sisters Shirley Adams of AZ., Sue Myer of FL. and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Charline "Charlie" Haney-Ford; one daughter, Judy Carolyn Ford; a son-in-law, James "Jay" Riley; a brother, Boyce "Buster" Ford; and a sister, Edith Ford-Butler.

The world is a darker place without James "Dude" Ford.




Funeral Services will be held 2:00pm Monday June 13th, 2016 at Gilbert Funeral Home , friends may call from 5:00pm until 8:00pm Sunday June 12th, 2016 at Gilbert Funeral Home . Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.