Death of Richard Andrew "Dick" Ford

Richard (Dick) Andrew Ford (92) passed away at home on Feb. 1, 2022, having lived a life of grace and kindness. He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Alice Blair Ford; five children John (Heather) Ford, Dane (Laura) Ford, Leslie (Bill) Davison, Robert (Ella Lynn Record) Ford, and Andrea (Bill Cox) Ford; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Dick grew up in LaRue, Ohio, living above the family funeral home that, along with the town’s ambulance service, was owned by his parents, Andrew and Ruth (Baker) Ford. He was 12 years old when his dad was drafted during WWII and Dick became an ambulance driver while still attending school. After high school he completed his studies at the Cleveland Mortuary School of Science but was drafted immediately into the U.S. Army during the Korean War serving as a medic in both Ft. Knox and Germany before returning to the funeral business in LaRue.

Dick subsequently took what was going to be temporary employment at Whirlpool Corporation, but he ended up working there over 40 years. In retirement, he volunteered on many community boards and committees including Berrien Hills Country Club, Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, The Heritage Museum & Cultural Center, the Howard Performing Arts Center at Andrews University, and The Korean War Veterans of Southwest Michigan.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with full military honors. You may join virtually with the following Zoom link, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82577340461?pwd=VUIrREJabXduQWUraUxvc2daekQ5Zz09. Out of respect to the family, masks will be required. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior from noon–1 p.m. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Riverview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Augustine of Canterbury Food Pantry, Benton Harbor. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.