John M. Ford Jr.
John M. Ford Jr., 90, of Fraser, passed away peacefully surrounded by family May 20. He was born Oct. 16, 1930, in Kearny, New Jersey, the son of John McNeil and Anne (née Rodger) Ford.
John graduated from Denby High School in Detroit, class of 1949. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Detroit. Following graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country from 1956-1958.
John was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ann E. Underwood, March 2, 1957; they were married for over 64 years. He was a dedicated mechanical engineer for Detroit Edison for 48 years. He was loyal and had a strong work ethic. John was also very charming and welcoming.
For many years, John and Ann wintered in Michigan and summered at their second home in Spruce Pine. John loved spending time relaxing on the beach by the family cottage in Lexington Heights. He enjoyed gardening and had an extraordinary green thumb; roses were his specialty. John’s sweet tooth craved jellybeans and chocolate. He was a kind, generous and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Ann; his children, Linda Ford Handran, John M. Ford III (the late Laura Zabel-Ford), Alice Ford and Thomas (Brandy Breen) Ford; his sister Mary (the late Earl) Bohde; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Handran, Nicholas (Rachel) Handran, Lindsey (Steven) Dean, Christopher (Megan) Ford, Lauren (Drew) Collins, Will Breen, Beth Ann Ford and JT Ford; and his great-grandchildren, Emma, Ava, Arthur, Iris, Kate, Eleanor, Riley and Rhett. He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister Letitia Ford and his brother William Ford.
A memorial service will be held in June at Isbell United Methodist Church, 10821 Highway 43 S., Russellville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to the Arbor Hospice or Isbell United Methodist Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Casterline Funeral Home of Northville, MI, 248-349-0611.
