Francis Joseph Ford

Francis Joseph Ford, a lifelong resident of the New Orleans area, passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2011 after a brief illness. Francis is survived by his wife, Nellie Cooper; son, Jimmy,(Sue); Their children; Frankie Ford and Jonah and Jesse Bascle; his daughter-in-law, Paulette Ford; her daughter, Jennifer Bannon; his granddaughter Jennifer Bannon; his great granddaughter Graeson Bannon; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; Joseph and Bridget Ford; brothers; Chris and Sylvest; sisters; Alice and Mabel; his former wife, Evelyn (West); and son, Gary. Francis retired from New Orleans Public Services, Inc. At the time of his retirement, he was Supervisor of Street Care Operations. In addition, he owned and managed numerous rental properties in Uptown New Orleans.

Francis served in the Pacific theatre in World War II in the United States Marine Corp. He was a member of the force that protected that famous “Wind Talker” units of American Indian during the assault on Saipan and other Pacific islands. He also took part in the initial invasion of Nagasaki in 1945 and remained on active duty until April, 1946.

Francis was a member of Alpha Home Lodge #72 of the Free and Accepted Masons. He was a Past Master of the Lodge and had been a member of over 55 years. He was also a member of the Jerusalem Temple Shrine and a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies.

Francis devoted much of his life to helping his family and friends and will be remembered as an extremely hard-working man who gave freely of his time to the many causes he supported.

Visitation will be held at Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home at 1600 N. Causeway in Metairie, La. on Friday, May 6, 2011 beginning at 10:00 am. Followed by Masonic Services at 12:00 noon. Burial following at Greenwood Cemetery.