Eddie I Ford

After a long and extended battle, God called Eddie Ford home on April 23, 2023, in Whittier, California. He was 93 years of age. Eddie’s family is thankful for him to be out of pain, and most importantly, with his Jesus.

Eddie was born in Glendale, California on February 22, 1930 to his parents Clarence and Elaine (Lopez) Ford. Eddie had a brother, Melvin, who was seven years his senior.  In 1933, Clarence and Elaine separated. Elaine’s parents, Pedro ( AKA “Pete”) and Mary (Reyes) took Eddie and Melvin to Pete’s ranch in Corona, as it was difficult for Elaine to manage on her own as a single mother.  Pete taught his grandchildren how to handle a horse and wagon team loaded with oil-burning devices, “Smudge Pots,” which were used to prevent frost on the citrus trees.  

During his elementary years, Eddie became very ill and could not attend school for a year, thus resulting in his fraternal grandmother, Myrta Ford, to care for him. Myrta played the first hymns Eddie heard on the piano, an enduring memory to him. Eddie remained in Glendale for his formative years, attending  Glendale High and Glendale Community College.

A true patriot, Eddie joined the Navy Reserves young.  At the start of the Korean War, he was assigned duty on the ARS 38, USS Bolster, a salvage and rescue ship. The Bolster also did ‘flycatcher’ duty- drawing enemy fire so the big guns from the USS Missouri could locate the enemy and fire back.  The USS Bolster had 7 battle stars from Korea and 8 battle stars from Vietnam. He was proud of his service, and later in life joined several reunion groups: NAFTS (National Association Fleet Tug Sailors) and KWVA (Korean War Veterans Association).

Shortly after being discharged from the Navy he met his beautiful bride, Edith (AKA “Edie”) Van Meter who had just graduated from Hoover High School in Glendale. A successful blind date led to over 66 years of marriage and three children, Mark, Colleen and Daniel. As an involved father, he participated in his sons Little League teams, Boy Scouts and Indian Guides programs- to name a few. He loved to take the whole family camping along the California coast, but unanimously made Lake Tahoe their favorite, returning there together for almost 60 years.

The Ford family were members of East Whittier United Presbyterian Church for many years, where Eddie also served as an Elder. During this time, he was presented with the challenge of helping a small community near Tijuana named, “Futuro del Oro”, or “Golden Future”. For 10 years Eddie led several churches in bringing food, clothing, and medical aid to this very poor hillside community.

Later in life Eddie and Edie attended First Evangelical Church of Fullerton, making many friends and fellowshiping under Dr. Charles Swindoll. Dan and Edie worked for Dr. Swindoll’s radio broadcast, “Insight for Living.”

Supporting his family faithfully, he stayed  with one job for 40 years selling commercial kitchen equipment. When a heart attack forced him to retire, Eddie still persisted against doctors orders and founded his own company, “Ford Enterprises.” He was a successful Manufacturer’s Representative for galley equipment in naval vessels for over 10 years.

Outside of work and family, Eddie was a man of many hobbies- dancing, fishing and playing cards or Farkle with friends. A special highlight of the year was attending UCLA football games as well. Eddie diligently checked his nightly business news and stocks every evening. Since food was also a big part of his life, a favorite meal was his Nana Elaine’s homemade tortillas and grilled steak. As a child of the 1940’s, he loved his classic cars- forever missing his 1950 light blue Studebaker convertible when it had to be traded for a family station wagon.

In later years, Eddie called his family outside to watch the sunset each evening.

Eddie is survived by his wife Edie and children, Mark, Colleen and Daniel. Sister-in-law Dolly Be VM Saunders, Brother-in-law Jerry W. Van Meter (children: Reilley, Tyler and Jake). Many nieces and nephews shared their love for Uncle Eddie: Steve and Robyn (Ford) Doran, Cindy (Ford) Gibson, Jim and Nancy Sudlow, Tim and Leslie Shedd, Jim Saunders, Larry and Janis Hayes, Jon D. and Betty Van Meter, Ken and Debbie Depew, Steven R. Van Meter.

A Memorial Service is planned for Friday, June 16, 2023 at 10:00am White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 E. Philadelphia St., Whittier, CA 90601, a light lunch following in their Pavilion/tent.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Eddie’s favorite charity would be appreciated:

Samaritan’s Purse

PO Box 3000, Boone, NC  

28607-3000

Toll Free: (828) 262-1980