Robert Emerson Ford, Sr. - Obituary

obert Emerson “Bob” Ford, Sr. passed away peacefully on August 25, 2021. He was born and raised in Edgewater, MD, the son of the late George W. and Hattie Ward Ford. Bob was educated in the Anne Arundel County School System and worked with David Taylor Research Center. He then served in the U.S. Army with the 12th Armored Division, “Hellcats” during World War II. When his commander asked if anyone wanted to be a cook, he quickly volunteered. Bob was often commended by superiors for the excellent meals he provided the troops as they marched through Germany. Upon returning home from the war he continued to work for the Federal Government at the Naval Ship Research and Development Center where he received six Letters of Commendation, three Beneficial Suggestion Awards and three Sustained Superior Performance Awards. Bob retired after thirty-one years with the government then worked for a private estate for 13 more years. He was a charter member of South River Ruritan Club, the Annapolis Elks Lodge 622, was an active member of the Three Rivers Sportsman’s Club and attended Davidsonville United Methodist Church with his wife, Jean. Bob enjoyed many hobbies including, hunting, maintaining a bountiful vegetable garden and repairing small engines. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix, often times inventing ways to make the repair. During his retirement he and his wife, Jean, enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. Bob was a dedicated family man. Together Bob and Jean cooked the most delicious Sunday Family Dinners. He didn’t say much at a family gathering but his impact was felt. His quiet strength will be missed by every member of his family. Bob was the beloved husband for 75 years of the late Wilma Jean Ford; father of Michael Stephen (Jackie) Ford, Pamela Linnea (Lee) Matousek and the late Robert E. Ford, Jr.; grandfather of Tania Ford, Linnea Boogades, Amanda Conner, Laura (Jon) Taralseth, Erin (Adrian) Tapley, Amy (David) Berry, Danielle (Eric) Couslin and great-grandfather of Brandon, Nicholas, Kyla, Carter, Cadhan, Nate, Maddy, Braden, Ethan, Everly, Ben, Georgia and Hadley. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Heartland Hospice, 7001 Johnnycake Road, Suite 204, Windsor Mill, MD 21244 (heartlandhospicefund.org/Donate). Condolences may be made by using the tab on this page.