I greatly benefited from Tommy's understanding of the CLASS program, Consumer Directed Services and DADS in general.  His ability to cut through the miscellany to identify what was really important was so valuable; at the same time he gave his undivided attention to the people these programs serve.  We are all the poorer to have lost him; the richer for having known him.  My condolences to his family.

Tommy was a kind, caring and brave man.  We worked together for many years and I always had great respect for him.  He dedicated his life to helping others and even in death he continues to do so.  He will be missed.  My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Dear Linda -- You are your family are much in my thoughts and prayers as I remember what a very sweet couple you were when we worshiped and visited together at St. John. May God hold you and your loved ones close in His merciful arms and comfort your hearts.  I am so sorry I will be unable to attend Tommy's memorial service as I'll be out of town. May his memory be eternal. Love and blessings.

Tommy was a wonderful person and I really enjoyed working with him at DADS (and previously at DHS).  I feel fortunate that I had the pleasure of knowing him.  Through all his health struggles, he remained such a positive and hopeful person.  He was a good man, and one of the nicest people I have known.  I will miss him, and I know his family will miss him greatly.

Linda and family--Tommy and I took twirling lessons together from Miss VanSickle on Tinsley Street in Angleton, the summer before  we were both  in Junior High the next year. We got to be good friends that summer. Years later we ran into each other in Austin when i was working in the Lt Governor's Office and he was working to make life better for the "aged and disabled". He never changed--always kind, thoughtful and considerate and a great smile.  I know you all will miss him very much. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Linda, Seth, and Amber--  Years ago we shared in the joy of your wedding..We share now your sorrow. Tommy's physical heart may have failed him but his spiritual heart is strong. His heart for his God, his lovely wife and family will never stop beating. God be with you now, comfort you, and guide your steps.

Tommy was a truly good person.  No matter what was going on in his own life, he was always gracious and considerate to those around him.  I am glad that I had an opportunity before he passed to tell him how very happy I was to work with him.  I will treasure his memory.

Tommy's kind, loving nature was easily visible and will most certainly be missed.  My thoughts are with you and your family, Linda.

This world was a better place with Tommy a part of it. I cannot describe in words how much I miss him and how much he meant to me. You were the best Tommy, no one can ever replace you. I hope each of us has learned from you what it truly means to be a great human being!!

I have know Tommy for about 10 years and he was always an inspiration to me.  When I would get down about my job he knew how to bring up my spirits and I credit him with staying at the state all these years.  He was a very devoted man and believe in what he was doing.  God Bless you Tommy, you will be greatly missed.

The Ranchers, staff, and Board of Directors of Down Home Ranch extend our sincere condolences to the Ford family.  Tommy was helpful and patient in his professional dealings with the Ranch, and we will miss him.

I worked with Tommy several times over the past 15 years and always found him to be helpful.  He was truly concerned about the welfare of people with disabilites in Texas and did as much as he could to see their lives improve. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tommy was a wonderful, caring person who will be missed.

Tommy touched the lives of many people who never knew him through his work at DADS.  His knowledge and dedication were an inspiration.  He will be sorely missed.

Tommy was as gentleman, a soft spoken man, yet had a powerful voice.  

Tommy and I did not work closely but shared a few laughs from time to time having worked in the same division of DADS. However, on one occassion he really helped me out of a dilemma and I will forever be grateful.  

Tommy always looked at all sides obejectively and made informed decisions not based staff rank or title but on the facts.  

Tommy always smiled and said hello.  The thing about Tommy is when he asked how you were doing, he really was concerned and really wanted to know...

Tommy, you will be missed!

Tommy was my mentor and my friend for almost 20 years. His integrity and hard work were inspirational to us all. But what is most important, is the work he did in state governement related to consumer directed services that will live on forever in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the state of Texas. 
Tommy was practical, pragmatic and had a great sense of humor! I am honored to call him my friend and am greatly saddened that he is no longer with us.
I will miss you Tommy and my thoughts and prayers go out to Linda and his children.
With much love and affection,
Therese Palombi

Tommy was a very special person.  I worked closely with him over the past six years.  He was truly committed to making a difference in the lives of others.  He implemented consumer directed services which continues to benefit many Texans with disabilities.  I will miss his smile and dry wit.  And, of course, we frequently talked about our alma mater, Baylor University.  My sincere condolences to Linda, Seth, and Amber.

Tommy was a true gentleman and such a kind co-worker.  My sincere sympathy to his family.

Amber and Seth, 
I am so sorry to hear about your father passing away. Always remember he will be looking down on both of you with a smile. He will also know that when his grandchild is born the love will be great for that child. God Bless the family and keep in touch. If you need to talk I will be here for both of you. Love ya'll Christina Cimrhanzel-Wallrath

I've known Tommy for several years through the Orthodox Church. Memory Eternal, Tommy.

For Tommy,

We are yet a moment here
A moment meant to blaze
And leave behind a trail of firelight
For those we leave behind
A Light of love
A Light of future glory

We see the path you left us
In memory
In a child’s eyes you are with us
In all the hearts you touched
We see you in Honesty
We know you in Integrity
Lessons we learned
We will not forget
Blaze on in us
Leave the light in case we stumble
We are here a moment yet

CLB
______________
Thank you Tommy for caring so much for others.

Tommy, I watched my dad lose his battle with heart disease almost 10 years ago. The comfort for me and what I thank you for, is the experimental experiences you both participated in. I like to think that medical information gained from my dad contributed to your longevity and I think your experience will live on in the heart of others. Thank You so much. I am so glad I got to be just a teeny weeny part of your life at DADS. I hope you sit up on that porch in Heaven with my dad and talk about your experiences. Thanks, one more time, Tommy for the contributions you have made in life and in death.

Jacki Baranauskas Zivley

I never got a chance to see him after we both had our heart surgeries and to tell him that I admired him for the way he was handling all that he was going through. And I was so encouraged to hear that he had returned to work, even on a part time basis.

Thank you for being you, Tommy. You touched countless people in so many ways. Rest in peace my friend.

Our love and condolences go to Linda and all of Tommy's family.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.  May his memory be eternal!

I am so sorry for your loss.  Tommy will be greatly missed at DADS.  I pray that you are comforted by God's peace.

I never got a chance to see Tommy after we both had our heart surgeries and to tell him that I admired him for the way he was handling all that he was going through. Such a great example. And I was so encouraged to hear that he had returned to work, even on a part time basis. 

Thank you for being you, Tommy. You'll never know how many people in so many ways you touched. Rest in peace now, my friend.

Tommy was a very nice person to work with he was very serious but sometimes he would crack a joke or two.  i will miss his friendly hellos

Tommy was a very nice person to work with he was very serious but sometimes he would crack a joke or two.  i will miss his friendly hello's

My condolences to Tommy Ford's family.  May God be with you during this difficult time. 
 
Marsha Ayers

I worked with Tommy at DADS.  Tommy was a fine gentleman and caring person.  He will truly be missed.  My condolences to his family.

What a loss of a great man! I was inspired by Tommy and his great sense of being. He has the best humor and would keep me in stitches even during the most stressful of times. We worked together for three years and they were always filled with ups and downs but no matter the issue he always saw the bright side of things. You will be missed!

OBITUARY

Tommy Ford

Passed away on OCTOBER 14, 2010

Cook-Walden Funeral Home

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