Richard M. “Dick” Ford, 88, of Paris, passed away Thursday, November 11, 2021, at his residence in Green Township.

He was born December 19, 1932,  in Detroit, the son of Albert and Elna (Russell) Ford, and moved to Reed City with his family as a child.  In 1950, Dick graduated from Reed City High School. 

Upon turning 18, Dick joined the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean Conflict.  While stationed at Luke AFB in Glendale, AZ, he met the love of his life, Carol Anne Olson.  The couple were married on May 26, 1956, in Reed City, and have resided on their farm west of Paris ever since. 

Dick was a farmer for most of his life, and a great salesman as well.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #98, and AmVets Post #1941.  Dick loved spending time with family and friends, playing cribbage or drinking coffee.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, travelling, watching baseball and football, and swimming and dancing as well.  Dick always had a good dog by his side, and his latest hobby was woodworking.   

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Carol; their children, Peggy (Wayne) Deuling of Newaygo, and Thomas (Anastasia) Ford of Jal, NM; grandchildren Corey (Mallory) Ford, Dallas Ford, Amanda (Andrew) Parker, and Samuel Deuling; and one great-grandson Colton Ford.  Dick was preceded in death by their infant son Steven in 1959, and his sister and brother-in-law Carol Ann and Johnny Fralick. 

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, November 20, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Ron Weller officiating.  Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery in Reed City, with military honors provided by the American Legion Post #98 Honor Guard.  Dick’s family will greet friends at the funeral home from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 19, and after 10 a.m. on Saturday.  Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.