FORD, Robert James (1933-2022)

FORD

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 4/30/2023 at 19:11:57

Robert James Ford
(May 25, 1933 - August 1, 2022)

Robert J. Ford of Indianola, IA died Monday, August 1, 2022 at The Village in Indianola.
Robert was born on May 25, 1933 in Des Moines to Victor and Gertrude (Herdlee) Ford. He married Carol (Hufferd) Ford, September 6, 1953. Robert received his B.S. and Masters in Agriculture Education from Iowa State University in Ames. His first love was teaching his Vocational Ag and young adults in Montezuma, followed by serving as Chief of Elementary and Secondary Career Education at the State Department of Instruction. He was the Agriculture Department Head of Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg. His final years he taught at Simpson College and also was Adult Student Academic Advisor at the West Des Moines Campus.
He is survived by his wife, Carol of nearly 69 years; children, Scott (Shari) Ford, Waterloo, Dale (Debra) Ford, Dewitt, Leanne (Wayne) Gifford, Algona; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Donna Schneider, Lynchburg, VA, Vikki Ford, Reno, NV, Loa (Burdett) Christensen, Huxley, Don (Sue) Ford, Audubon; sister-in-law, Pattie (Lynn), Council Bluffs. He is preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Gertrude Ford; twin brother, Richard; brother, Lynn; and brother-in-law, Richard Schneider. Bob grew up on a farm in Coon Rapids, IA, where he developed his strong work ethic. He was pretty handy with his hands. He was able to build and fix most things, including his camping trailer, where we spent many summers camping. He and his twin brother Dick would play their share of practical jokes by switching identities around family and friends. Bob was an avid fisherman whether in Canada, Minnesota or just in the farm ponds. He stayed active by golfing, playing shuffleboard and pickleball, square dancing and gardening. He enjoyed reading, playing cards and board games. He looked forward to and spent the past 21 years wintering in Mesa, Arizona. Most of all, Bob loved the family gatherings with the kids, grand and great-grandchildren. Bob was a member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Indianola for 48 years. He taught senior high Sunday school classes, served as Elder many times and served in other offices. He also was a Charter Member of the Evening Lions Club, serving as their first president. A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m., Monday, August 8, 2022 at Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Indianola. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., prior to service. Cremation will follow services. Memorials may be made in Bob’s name to Trinity United Presbyterian Church of Indianola, Alzheimer’s Association or Wesley Life Hospice.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Village for all the care given to Bob and also for the hospice care he received. [This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/]