Donald Joseph "Ducky" Ford

Don was born on January 16, 1933, in Springfield, the son of Paul and Marie (Hines) Ford.

Don was a gentleman, a people person, and a good friend to many and was always kind and thoughtful to others. Family, friends, and faith were very dear to him. Don’s parents, brothers and their wives, nieces, and nephews were a big part of his life. He had a way about him that brought joy and fun to everyone who knew him.

Don was a proud northender. He attended St. Joseph’s Grade School and Cathedral Boys High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S Navy earning a National Defense Service Ribbon. He then continued his education and graduated from the University of Illinois. After graduation, Don started working in the insurance profession as a claims adjuster. Most of his career was spent working for Horace Mann Insurance for 35 years.

After retirement, Don helped his parents in their later years. He began reading and planning travel adventures that would take him to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and San Miguel de Allende in Mexico where he eventually would spend two to three months every winter. While there, Don attended language schools to improve his Spanish and made many new friends from all over the world. He became like a family member in the home where he stayed each visit, Casa de Maricela. He was always happy to return home to his friends and family in Springfield. When home, he enjoyed seeing his friends at both the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus, of which he was a member.

Don was able to enjoy his 90 years of life. He loved sports, especially playing baseball and swimming, and stayed personally fit and active throughout his lifetime. Don rooted for the St. Louis Cardinals and loved watching Notre Dame football! He was also a walker. On his walks, whether in his neighborhood or when he moved to Concordia Village four years ago, he would meet old friends and make new ones. Don was thankful for all the good care he received from his doctors, nurses, and those who looked after him.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul R. and Barbara Ford, and Thomas F. and Mary Ford; and nephew, Matthew Penning.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Karen Penning, Thomas Ford, Kevin Ford, Linda (Robert) Strayer, Lori (Steve) Gumble, Jenny (Don) Heaton, Jeff (Carolyn) Ford, all of Springfield, and Lisa (Michael) Letorney of Hingham, MA, and several great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 24, 2023, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service.

Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield, with Rev. Manuel Cuizon, Ph.D., celebrant.

After ceremonies, Don’s wishes were to donate his body to science, to the Anatomical Gift Association.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Illinois Food Bank, Attn: Michelle Collins, P.O. Box 8228, Springfield, IL 62791-8228; St. Joseph Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62702; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.