Robert E. Ford

Robert E. "Bob" Ford, age 88, passed away at Hendrick Medical Center on Saturday, January 29, 2011. Born November 21, 1922 in Abilene, Texas, to Philip Holman Ford and Era Jones Ford, Bob attended Abilene High School and graduated from University of Texas Law School in 1949. Bob served in the United States Air Force during World War II. On June 21, 1956, Bob married Peggy Renfro of Abilene, Texas. Bob lived most of his life in Abilene where he practiced law, and was later active in the oil and gas industry. He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and for many years he taught the Homebuilders Sunday school class of which he and his wife were members. When Bob was fourteen, he was awarded Eagle Scout status and attended the first National Boy Scout Jamboree in Washington D.C. He taught business law at Hardin-Simmons University and Cisco Jr. College. Bob was a charter member of the Abilene Community Theater (ACT), served as ACT's first president, and performed in numerous ACT productions. He was a Mason and member of several local service organizations. Bob was an avid bridge player. He was a member of the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), and achieved Life Master status. Locally, he served as President of the Ft. Phantom Bridge Unit. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Ford of Abilene; two daughters, Toni Ford Rivers of Atlanta, Georgia and Susan Ford Woodley and husband Keith Woodley of Aubrey, Texas; and three grandchildren, Margaret Woodley, Sarah Woodley and Kelly Woodley. Bob is also survived by one brother, Don H. Ford and wife Nancy M. Ford of Gonzales, Texas; four nephews, Don Ford, Bill Ford, Pat Ford, and Kyle Ford; and one niece, Ruthie Ford. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Era Ford; and brothers, Charles Ford and Phil Ford. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 4, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, with Rev. Steve Brooks and Rev. Caro Russell officiating. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. in Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene, 7457 W. Lake Road. Memorial contributions are welcome at The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St., Abilene, TX 79601, and Alzheimer's Association, North Central Texas Chapter, 301 So. Pioneer Dr., Suite 105, Abilene, TX 79605. Thanks to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Hendrick Medical Center, and Hamil Family Funeral Home for their help and support.