Dwight Howard Ford was born on January 28, 1928 in Geary, OK to Elmer and Leatha (Lowman) Ford. He passed away on April 7, 2011 in OKC, OK at the age of 83. Dwight's mother, Leatha was remarried to Ernie Crane, who raised him and was a wonderful father to him. While attending school in Geary, Dwight came to be known by the nick name "Model-T." Dwight graduated from Geary High School in 1946 with scholarships in Wrestling and Football to Southwestern State College. He graduated from Southwestern State College in Weatherford, OK in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Master's Degree in Industrial Education. He served in the US Army, receiving the rank of Tec 5, serving from 9-17-1946 to 1-6-1948 during WWII. He served in Japan, where he received the WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. He married Amelia "Millie" Osmus on August 22, 1948 in Okeene, OK. He and Millie moved 29 times in the first 25 years following Dwight's business as a landman. They have lived in OKC since 1972 and were members of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. He received the American Legion Award on May 26, 1942. Dwight was very good at woodworking and was asked in 1957 to build a 20' cross and the altar for the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in OKC, which the current church still uses today. He was also a member of the Oklahoma Landmen Association. Dwight was full of wisdom, humor, independence, and had a dignity about him like no other. His love of dogs brought joy to his life through the years. Dwight's love of OU football will continue and be alive through the legacy of his passion for the OU Sooners he passed down to his kids and grandkids. His Spirit will be felt in us all as every OU game is played. Dwight kept his family laughing throughout the years, telling jokes that could only be told by him. Anything you did for him, his graciousness was returned tenfold. His lung disease has been ongoing for the last 3 years, but his will and strength were amazing as he faced each day, determined to do it "his way." No matter how hard his last few months of struggling with his illnesses, keeping up his treatments, and not asking anyone for help ? this was his example of his courage, strength, and pride , which he kept, even until his last moments. Survivors Include his children: Patti Wolfenberger and husband Klaus of Little Rock, AR; and Angie Ford of OKC, OK; 8 grandchildren: Inge Martin and husband Russell, Angela Kuntz and husband Chris, Tara Erwin, Nikki Naylor and husband Dan, Trent Snow, Ricky Erwin, Austin Snow, and Ryan Erwin; great-grandchildren: Audrey and Rebekah Kuntz, and Addison and Zoey Naylor; sister, Nina Jo White and her husband Clay of Hot Springs, AR; as well as many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Ford, and Ernie and Leatha Crane; wife, Millie Ford; son, Dwight Ford, Jr.; and daughter, Pamela Ford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: First United Methodist Church in Geary, 307 W. Main, Geary, OK 73040. Services: First United Methodist Church, Wednesday, 10:00 AM, April 13, 2011, Geary, OK. Officiating: Rev. Jim Hicks and Rev. Karen Slater. Burial: Geary Cemetery, Geary, OK, under the direction of Turner Funeral Home, Geary, OK. Condolences may be sent to the family at [email protected], or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes). [email protected]
Published in The Oklahoman on Apr. 12, 2011
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