Melvin passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, early on Wednesday morning, Oct. 11, 2023.
Born June 16, 1933, to Jesse Clifford Ford and Della Beatrice (Betty) Hathaway Ford, Melvin graduated from Roachdale High School in 1951. He married his high school sweetheart, Arlene (Shuee) Ford on Oct. 10, 1952 (71 years) in the Roachdale Christian Church, where they have worshiped the Lord their entire life.
Survivors include his wife, Arlene; daughter Janet Lynn (Rick) Ward; son Keith Evan (Stephanie) Ford; brother Franklin Ford; granddaughter Erin (Jared) Kritenbrink; two beloved great-grandchildren, Brecken and Daxton Kritenbrink; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by both parents; a wonderful grandson, Reid Hudson, who passed away April 6, 2014; sister-in-law Josephine (Newgent) Ford; and sister-in-law Dorothy (Lawler) Ford.
Melvin served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957, beginning basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri where he received an expert rifleman medal. He was then stationed at Ft. Eustis, Virginia before deploying to Fussen, Germany where he was chosen by the Chief Warrant Officer to drive him daily in a Jeep because of his mechanical abilities. He was honorably discharged upon his return to the United States in 1957 at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois.
Melvin was a lifelong member of the Roachdale Christian Church, serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, over 50 years as an Elder and Sunday School teacher for high school age, special Bible studies, the RCC Food Pantry, and alternating with others teaching the Adult Truth Seekers class from its beginning.
Melvin was an accomplished woodworker and, through the years, he made numerous pieces of furniture and cabinetry for all his family and the church.
It is very hard to clearly put into words all the wonderful aspects of an individual’s life. However, Melvin was humble, hardworking, and committed to a life of service to his Heavenly Father, to his family, and in countless other ways to those he touched within the church and the community. His joy was seeing people succeed in their walk with Christ by becoming mature disciples and sharing that joy and love with others. His greatest joy was sharing all his experiences with his loving wife, Arlene, by his side and also being with his family.
Melvin was a lifetime farmer with his father Jesse, and his brother, Franklin. Together they operated a dairy farm, raised cattle, planted and harvested crops for 50 years. He was recognized for 46 years of service from the U.S. Department of Agriculture while serving on the Putnam/Hendricks County FSA Committee. Though the hours of the day were often long, Melvin always made time for his family and the church. While growing up, the family faced hardships known to this greatest generation including the Great Depression, World War II, and tough years on the farm. But, as their children all learned growing up and watching, we lived with what we had and were grateful to have it and to share together in a loving family.
Visitation will be held 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 at the Roachdale Christian Church, Roachdale, and Saturday one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service. Ministers Dr. John Nolan and Nate Bryan will officiate.
Burial will be at the Roachdale Cemetery immediately following. Servies & Morgan Funeral Home has been entrusted with Melvin Ford’s funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Roachdale Christian Church to be directed to the Missions Ministry.
Visit www.serviesmorgan.com to leave a condolence or share a memory with the family.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
