Jerry Leon "Catfish" Ford

Jerry Leon Ford was born on August 27th, 1944 in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Loyd and Genevieve (Barnett) Ford. He was reared with two brothers, Jack and Don, and a sister Sharon. He met Frances Foster in 1958 and he told his buddy "I am going to marry her.” After graduation in 1962, he and Frances were married and to this union Denice, Jerry (Dwain) and Damon were born. After working different jobs, he formed his niche as a carpenter. Later he worked for 22 years at Tahlequah Lumber Company, where he managed the Tool Rental Department, then became a Handy Man for the Lumber Company. He was an avid fisherman and belonged to several bass clubs. He loved fishing in tournaments. When he wasn’t fishing, he loved watching football, basketball, and softball, especially OU and Sequoyah High School. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to tease them and play jokes on them. He helped his children and grandchildren with their 4-H projects. He was one of the founding members of the Cherokee County Swine Breeders Association. The Lord called this hardworking farmer and family man home on March 4th, 2021 in Tulsa, Ok with his family by his side. He was 76 years old and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his son, Jerry Dwain Ford, his parents, Loyd and Genevieve (Barnett) Ford, brothers LH Ford in infancy and Jack Ford, his mother-in-law, Dorothy Foster and a special uncle, Roy Lowrey.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Frances Ford of the home, a daughter Denice (Aaron) Kelley of Moody, son Damon Ford of Tahlequah, brother Don (Betty) Ford of Cookson, sister Sharon (Bob) Chapman of Kansas City, MO, his adored grandchildren, Amanda (Jason) Culver of Moody, Justin (Brandi) Ford of Briggs, Kaitlyn Kelley of Moody, and Kortni Ford of Tahlequah. His great grandchildren include Aiden, Avery and Adysen Culver of Moody and Lakelyn and Harlyn Ford of Briggs. He leaves behind a special nephew, Mike Ford, a special cousin, Amy Williams, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.

Funeral services for Jerry Leon “Catfish” Ford will be held on Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Jason Gann officiating. Pallbearers for Catfish include Mike Ford, Mikky Weaver, Herman Augerhole, David Williams, Nick Huck, and Clifford Ratliff. His honorary pallbearers include Jay Stinnett, Morgan Whitmore, Dawes Stevens, Bill Bailey, Robbie Burson, Estel Brannon, and the Founding Members of the Cherokee County Swine Breeders. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 beginning at 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM. He will be laid to rest next to his son at New Home Cemetery in Peggs, Oklahoma. Online condolences for his family may be left at www.reedculver.com.