Charles W “Bill” Ford of Columbus, formerly of Mount Auburn, died Wednesday December 2, 2021, at Columbus Regional Hospital. Born July 4, 1931, in Mount Auburn, he was the son of James Holman and Frances (Treon) Ford.
He married Ruth David on March 10, 1951 and she preceded him in death on November 26, 1986. He married Judy (Stillinger) Ford on October 4, 1987 and she survives.
Bill graduated from Mt Auburn High School in 1949. He spent his career at Cummins Engine, Inc., retiring after 40 years of service.
Earlier in life, he served as a volunteer firefighter for the town of Mount Auburn. He was also a member of the Indiana National Guard. An avid Nascar fan, Bill followed Tony Stewart's races with enthusiasm. He also was a devoted Indiana University basketball fan. Bill was a member of the Diesel Workers Union and a life-long member of Mt. Auburn Christian Church.
In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his children, David (Tetiana) Ford of Bedford, Melody Heck of Columbus, Jan Bruning of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and Michael Robin (Kristine) Ford of Shelbyville; and grandchildren, Kristian Crosby, Alecia (Russ) Gross, Andrea Jones, David (Lea) Ford II, Christopher (Denelle) Heck, Stephen (Lindsay) Heck, Carie (Aaron) Swafford, Matt (Kendra) Bruning, Dustin (Jenny) Ford, Leigha Bruning, Victor Viveros, and Nick Ford.
He is also survived by his step-children, Bobby Stillinger and Malina Stillinger; great grandchildren, Ethan, Allison, Logan, Courtney, Jacob, Colin, Joshua,Connor, Peyton, Clayton, Brinsley, JT, Caleb, Holly, Megan, Nolan, Justin, Carson, Kalynn, Kyra, Bristol, Noah, Coby, Sawyer, Elin, and Annie; great great grandchildren, Sophie, William, Isaac, Nolan, and Norah. He had two additional great great grandchildren on the way.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Catherine Demaree, his brother Robert Ford, and his grandson Zachary Allan Bruning.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 10, 2021, at Murphy-Parks Funeral Services, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 11, 2021 at the funeral home with Rev.Andy Wade officiating.
Burial will follow in Mount Auburn cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt Auburn Christian Church.
Funeral Directors Greg, Sheila, and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Bill’s family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
