Daniel Lee Ford

Daniel Lee Ford (MSGT, Retired USAF), beloved husband of the late Linda “Diane” Mooney Ford, passed away at the age of 72 on October 14, 2017. He is also predeceased by his parents, Francis E. Ford (MSGT, Retired USAF) and Ina Dale Gamage Ford; his first wife, Marilyn Ann Maxwell Ford; and his brother, Wayne Ford. Dan was born on July 8, 1945, in Plattsburg, NY. Due to his father being in the United States Air Force, Dan was able to travel around the world before his dad retired from the USAF in Bossier City, LA. Dan played center for the Bossier High School football team where he excelled, and it remained his passion throughout his lifetime. After graduating High School in 1963, he joined the USAF as a Communications Specialist and went on to be an Intelligence Mission Supervisor. He married his loving and devoted wife, Diane, on February 7, 1970 and spent so many wonderful years together until her passing in 2002. Dan proudly served his country with honor for more than 20 years. During those years, Dan, Diane, and children were able to travel the world and to have experiences that lasted a lifetime. Some of the best memories come from the times spent in Crete and San Vito. Those experiences were never forgotten and friendships were forged that lasted a lifetime. His happiest times were the ones he spent with family and friends. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, and barbecuing. After retiring from the Air Force, Dan and Diane settled in Maryland, where he spent many years working for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and later moved to Federalsburg, MD. Dan was a loving father to Deborah Breen and her husband Tom, Stephanie Ford, Rebecca Ewing and her husband Stewart, and his son Daniel Lee Ford II. He was a devoted grandfather to Tommy and his wife Joy, Patrick and his wife Chelsea, Brittany, Ashley, John, Hailey, Zachary, and Hunter. Dan was a cherished great-grandfather to Tinsley, Cayden, and Parker. He was cearly loved by aunts, uncles, cousins, and treasured friends from around the world. Big hearted, kind, loving, humble, strong, compassionate, generous, honest, a coach, a mentor, a friend to so many, our rock, are only some of the characteristics that describe this wonderful man who never met a stranger and has now departed from all of us who loved and knew him. We thank God for the gift of his life and the time we were given to share with him. One’s life is impossible to summarize in a column, but Dan’s life story will forever be remembered in our hearts and minds, and he will be deeply missed. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017, from 6-8 pm, at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 106 Shamrock Road, Chester, MD. Services will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017, at 11 am at the same location. Burial will follow at Stevensville Cemetery.

Daniel Lee Ford

July 8, 1945 - October 14, 2017