Willie Ford

Willie Ford, son of the late James Andrew and Callie Bennett Ford, was born in Parma, Missouri on July 24, 1923, and passed away at the Malden Nursing and Rehab Center in Malden, Missouri on January 20, 2008, at the age of 84 years, 5 months and 27 days. Mr. Ford had lived in Parma, Missouri all his life where he had worked as a self employed brick layer. He had served in the U. S. Army where he served in Normandy, North France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. He was awarded five bronze stars and a Good Conduct Medal. He was married to Elouise Allen in Piggott, Arkansas and she preceded him in death on April 22, 1991. He married Mary Lynn Melton in Parma, Missouri. Surviving are his wife, Mary Lynn Ford of Parma, Missouri; two sons, Allen "Little Boy" Ford of Parma, Missouri, Paul Ford of Paragould, Arkansas; two daughters, Nancy McCarty of Scott City, Missouri, Verna Klefstad of Ridgeland, Wisconsin; thirteen grandchildren; and twenty-two great-grandchildren. Other relatives and many friends also survive. He was preceded in death by one son, James Calvin Ford, one daughter, Perdita Faye Roof, one brother, Malcom Ford and one sister, Edna Webb. Friends may call on Tuesday, January 22, 2008, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Parma, Missouri. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2008, at 1:00 P.M. at the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Parma, Missouri with Bro. Mark Powell of Risco, Missouri officiating. Interment will be in the Parma Cemetery in Parma, Missouri with full military rites conducted by the Missouri Millitary Honors. Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Parma, Missouri in charge of arrangements.