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William Albert Ford © Enid News and Eagle 10-16-2011 Submitted by: Jo Aguirre
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William A. Ford © The Fighting Men of Oklahoma Submitted by: Linda Cardenas
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SSGT William A. Ford, son of Leo D. Ford, was born June 20, 1920 at San Bernardino CA and moved to Oklahoma in 1922. He graduated from Cherokee High School and was inducted into the service Aug. 1, 1942 at Tulsa OK. He trained at the Radio School in Chicago IL. SGT Ford served with the 1st Troop Carrier Command, 312th Troop Carrier Sq., 349th Troop Carrier Gp., in the European Theater of Operations and was discharged Feb. 13, 1946. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, ETO Medal and the Victory Medal.
© Glenn
Beatrice Rose and William A. FORD Cherokee Municipal Cemetery
LAKE CHARLES, LA — William Albert "Bill" Ford, 91, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2011, at a local hospital.
Bill was born in San Bernadino, California, on June 20, 1920, to Leo and Mildred White Ford. The family moved to northern Oklahoma when Bill was 2 years old.
He graduated from Cherokee High School in Cherokee, Oklahoma, in 1938 and later served in the Army Air Force during World War II as an aircraft radio operator and mechanic. Bill returned to Cherokee, after being discharged from the service, where he met his future wife, Beatrice Culley, in 1946.
After graduating from Northwestern State College in Alva, Oklahoma, in 1949, he worked for Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas, until 1953, when he and the family moved to Lake Charles.
He managed Pepsi Cola and Seven Up franchises for many years and also served as the business administrator of University United Methodist Church from 1975 until his retirement in 1985.
Bill was an active member of University United Methodist Church for 58 years, teaching Sunday school, participating in United Methodist Men and serving on numerous committees through the years.
He served as treasurer for the Lake Charles District United Methodist Church and was on the Wesley Foundation Board of Directors. Bill was treasurer for University United Methodist Church Day School, served on the Day School committee and took care of the Day School payroll until shortly before his death.
He enjoyed sports of all types, both as a participant in high school and college and then later as a fan. He especially loved discussing sports with his grandson, Brett. Bill was an avid golfer and as a member of the Mallard Cove Golf Association he played two to three days a week until he became ill a few months ago. He enjoyed spending time with his golfing buddies during and after their games.
He is survived by daughters, Pam Burns and husband Charlie of Glendale, California, and Peggy Ford and Mary Champagne of Crowley, Louisiana; grandchildren, Melissa Blakey, Brett Blakey and wife Sarah; great-granddaughter Norah Jane Blakey; sisters, Joan Henderson and husband Lloyd and Patricia Watts and husband Dick; nieces; nephews; cousins; and lifelong friends that he adored and considered his family.
He was preceded in death by Beachy, his beloved wife of 62 years; parents, Leo and Mildred Ford; brother, Melvin Ford; and sister, Kate Martin.
Graveside service will be at Cherokee, Oklahoma, City Cemetery at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 18, 2011. Reverend Paul Calkin of Cherokee First United Methodist Church will officiate. Arrangements are under direction of Goodwin Funeral Home of Cherokee.
The family would like to thank everyone who took such wonderful care of Bill and showed him (and us) caring and kindness.
If they wish, friends may make memorial donations to the University United Methodist Church (UUMC) Day School at 3501 Patrick Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605.
(Submitted by family)
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