Dick

Richard "Dick" Ford, 85, of Onapa, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at his home. Dick was born on October 9, 1936 in Cortez, Colorado, to Cloyd Cecil and Dona Mae (Robinson) Ford. He attended Happy Holler grade school. He graduated from Stidham High School in 1955. Dick went on to Eastern Oklahoma A&M College in Wilburton, OK, where he majored in auto mechanics. He then attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK, and received a degree in elementary education and science. On September 5, 1959, he married Billie Sue Proe. They were happily married for 62 years. He enlisted into the Army in 1959 and received the Sharpshooter, First Class Gunner and Expert awards. He taught school for twenty eight years at Wainwright, Hilldale, Boynton and Eufaula. Dick worked construction on the relocation of the roads when the Eufaula Dam was being built. He was called to preach while working at the Lock & Dam in Gore, OK, and preached at the Community Baptist Church in Muskogee, OK for three years. In 1969 Dick started preaching at the Onapa Baptist Church and served there for 52 years. He retired in October of 2021. Survivors include: his wife, Billie Sue Ford, of the home; son, Richard Ford and wife Tammy of Oktaha, OK, daughter, Dona Lovett and husband Joe Bob of Checotah, OK, daughter-in-law; Traci Ford of Lenna, OK, grandchildren; Colton Lovett and wife Dallie, Tyler Lovett and Brittany Kesler, Emily Ford, Daci Ford, Kara Padgett, Jessica Russell, Billie Williams and husband Jonathan, Richard Ford III, Heather Lonsdale, great-grandchildren; Brody, Lariat, Tatum, TJ, Parker, Hattie Grace, Kannon, Tinsley, Aubi, Todd, Hadley, Alissa, Seth, Emma and Ben. He is preceded in death by his son, David Wayne Ford, parents; Cloyd and Dona Ford, brother; Jesse Ford, sisters; Dolly Ann Downum, Alene Smith and twin sister; Jane Martin.