Rev. Ron J. Ford, the son of Howard James and Deloris Easter (Roberts) Ford, was born June 12, 1958, in Joplin, Missouri. He attended Joplin High School, graduating in 1976. Ron also attended two years at Franklin Technical School and Missouri Southern in Joplin.
On September 24, 1977, Ron was united in marriage to Judy Diane Prince at the First Gospel Workers Church in Joplin. They made their home in Joplin where Ron was employed by St. John’s Hospital in Environmental Services. Due to Ron’s work, they made their home in numerous Midwestern states. In December of 2007, Ron was employed by Community Hospital-Fairfax, Fairfax, Missouri. Shortly after, the family moved to Tarkio, Missouri. In 2014, they moved to Elmo, Missouri. In 2015, Ron retired due to ill health.
On February 24, 1995, Ron trusted in The LORD Jesus Christ as his Savior. At this point, Ron was called into the Ministry and pastored numerous churches. They include: House of Prayer, Joplin, West Side Full Gospel, Webb City, Missouri, Tarkio Full Gospel, Tarkio, and currently the Elmo Christian Church in Elmo. Ron carried credentials with Full Gospel Churches International and made several missionary trips to Mexico.
Ron coached his son as well as many other athletes in Special Olympics. He was a member of the Fairfax Kiwanis. Ron passed away Sunday, November 26, 2017, at his home in Elmo, Missouri, at the age of 59.
In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by sister, Betty Ford. Survivors include wife, Judy Diane Ford, Elmo; daughter, Jennifer Marie Spence and husband, Jason, Miami, Oklahoma; son, Matthew Joseph Ford, Elmo; three granddaughters, Krista Ann Paxson and husband, Don, Sydnee Diane Wood, and Erin Spence, all of Miami; two great-granddaughters, Esme Ekstrom and Yevette Paxson; siblings, Jim Ford, Bob Ford and wife, Brenda, Dorothy Andrews and John (Pam) Ford; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 30, 2017, at Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio. Pastor Beau Armstrong officiated. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2017, at Joplin Full Gospel Church. Pastor John Meyers will officiate. Inurnment will be held at Osborne Cemetery, Joplin, Missouri. Services are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio. Memorials may be directed to Elmo Christian Church. Online condolences may be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.