Edward Ford

Edward ("Bob," as he was known) Ford, 84, devoted and loving husband of Jean Sharp Ford for 61 years, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, at the Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau.

Bob was born in Amsterdam, New York, on April 27, 1933, to Edward and Kathleen Ford. He graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and flew on a C119 cargo plane as flight engineer for four years, flying all over Europe and parts of Asia.

After his discharge, he married Jean Sharp on July 8, 1956, in Amsterdam. They were blessed with four wonderful children: Dr. Leonard (Tracy) Ford of Fort Myers, Florida; Dr. David Ford of San Ramon, California; Cindy (Paul) Slagle of Arlington, Texas, and John "Jack" (Le Ann) Ford of Cape Girardeau, and a granddaughter, Haley Ford of Huntsville, Texas. Other loving survivors include his wife, Jean Ford; two sisters, Patricia (Douglas) Krahmer of Tribes Hill, New York, and Marilyn Ford of Middleburgh, New York; and five nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

Bob worked as production manager of General Foam Plastics Corp. and was involved in relocating numerous times throughout the United States. He retired in Paris, Texas, as plant manager of Paris Industries.

After two years of retirement, Bob and Jean decided to live the Florida lifestyle and moved to Four Lakes Golf Club, where they resided for 10 years. Bob enjoyed golf and at one time scored a hole in one while playing on the 13th hole at the Four Lakes Golf Course. His other hobbies were fishing, playing pinochle, doing crossword puzzles and putting together jigsaw puzzles, which he framed, and are decorating many rooms in their house.

After many health issues, Bob and Jean moved to Cape Girardeau in 2009 to be near their son, Jack. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Friends may call from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

A funeral Mass will follow at the church at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Rick Jones officiating. Inurnment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.