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Obituary:

WILLIAM "BILL" KENNETH FORD, born on March 21, 1937 in Rochester, NY went peacefully home to his Father in Heaven on May 28, 2009 after a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by his family at his home in Friendswood. Bill was predeceased by his parents Carl and Estelle Ford. He is survived by his loving wife of twenty-seven years, Toni Lynn (Lucario) Ford of Friendswood, Texas; children, Cynthia Ford-Hobbs of Houston, Texas, Christina Sullivan and husband John of Newcastle, California, Cheryl Stephenson and husband Jeff of Doha, Qatar, William "Billy" K. Ford and wife Rose of Baltimore, Maryland, Chris Helton and wife Heather of Friendswood, Texas; and eleven grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister, Linda Long and her husband Jim of Pasadena, Texas; and his in-laws Tony and Elizabeth Lucario and brother-in-law Morris Lucario; as well as numerous relatives and friends. Bill was a Houston Police Officer for over 41 years before retiring in 2000. Bill worked the Traffic and Accident division after graduating from the twentieth cadet class in 1959. After being named Sergeant, he worked patrol at the Southeast Station, Park Place, Eastside and Tactical Squad, and, as negotiator and captain of Squad A-Team of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT). He also served in Canine Division, Downtown Central Station, and as a Sergeant with Special Operations, which was HPD's security division for visiting dignitaries. Among his many extra jobs, Bill assigned off-duty officers for security for the Astrodome for 30 years, and continued as a security consultant for Minute Maid Park even after his retirement. Bill was honored with over 42 awards and citations during his career; including selection for specialized training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, commendations from Mayor Bob Lanier, Police Chief Sam Nuchia, and Senator Mario Gallegos. The visitation is from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, June 1, 2009 at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546, (281) 992-7200. The Rosary will be held at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Johnny Salinas officiating. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at Mary Queen Catholic Church, 606 Cedarwood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546 with Rev. Ed Wade officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, Texas. Memorial contributions may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, or CaringBridge.org. Condolences can be sent to the Ford Family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.

(Published in The Houston Chronicle on May 31, 2009)

William married T.L. Lucario [Group Sheet]