On the afternoon of November 16, 2024, Robert Morgan Ford passed away after a long battle with Alzheimers Disease at the Eastern Montana Veteran’s Home in Glendive, MT. He was 83 years old.
Robert (Bob) Ford was born in Melvin, Kentucky on December 19, 1940. He was the third of four children, and third son, of Gertrude and William Ford of Dayton, Ohio.
At a very early age he expressed an interest in fishing and quite often would grab his fishing pole, board a bus, and go to his favorite fishing hole. It’s unknown if he caught any fish, but that never stopped him from trying. As you know, this interest never left him.
Bob attended high school in Dayton, Ohio. After graduating he pursued a career in Zoology at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. This is where he met Carole Woll, his future wife, and it was love at first sight for the both of them. Bob proposed to Carole after two weeks, albeit in his usual comical manner. Despite this, she eventually said “yes.”
In the fall of 1961, Bob enlisted in the Army. His commanding officer told him now is not the time to get married, and Bob retorted, “yes, it is.” They were married on July 14, 1962, as planned. The couple honeymooned on the upper peninsula of Michigan at a fishing resort, no less.
After marriage, they transferred to Fall Church, VA and then to Des Moines, IA. After three months in Iowa, Bob was ordered to spend one year in Korea as an Intel Officer. When his time was over, he was home again.
Bob’s enlistment had ended, and he sought out his game warden dreams. He spent the next few years as a game warden in Ohio before being hired as a warden in Washington State. His first station was Sedro-Woolley, then Ellensburg Republic, and finally Bellingham, WA. Bob retired from Bellingham after 23 years.
Bob and Carole moved to Miles City, MT where Bob enjoyed his retirement years. He purchased a fishing boat and returned to his love of fishing. His only other satisfying hobby was to find diamond willow branches from which he would spend his time carving the diamond willow into walking sticks. He presented them to family, friends, and any friend who may have needed one. He did this for his enjoyment and would never sell them.
During this time, he worked part time for the Department of Defense doing background investigations. This ultimately led to him joining the Coast Guard reserves as a Special Agent and from which he fully retired.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; both of his brothers; and his sister.
Robert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carole; sons Christopher and Matthew; grandsons C.J., Anthony, and Daniel; as well as great grandsons Jason and Benjamin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s name to the Alzheimers Association- Billings.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will take place with Full Military Honors at Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery, Miles City.
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, MT 59301
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Bobbi and Gary Askin says
To the Ford family – Bob was a wonderful man and Gary and I always enjoyed his company. Many blessings to all of you.
George and Maggie Holom says
To the family of Bob Ford—Our thoughts and prayer for your Peace and Comfort in your loss; and may he Rest in Peace.
Jim Bishop says
Great Friend – Teller of experiences as a game warden and master craftsman of diamond willow canes
wes d malenovsky says
sorry for your loss rip robert god bless magic
Deb Landrum says
Bob was a good man, a caring and compassionate person. A lover of outdoors and of dogs…Those two alone make for a good man. Deepest sympathies Carole, to you and your boys. May God give you the comfort that exists in remembering all of the good things and may His holy angels wrap your family in the healing light of His love.
doug swanson says
Good friend and fellow game warden…….from years ago. Our prays and thoughts are with you and family….
Wayne Roberts says
RIP Bob, many great memories with you. We were in that same cadet class of 1967. To your family sorry for your loss.
Rick Peterson says
Bob spent a great part of his life protecting our natural resources, serving as a State Wildlife Enforcement Officer. He was also a true patriot serving in the Army and as a investigator with the Coast Guard. Bob always had jokes to tell and a smile to share. Rest in peace my friend, thanks for the great memories and many laughs. Our condolences to Carole, Chris and Matt. From a fellow Fish and Wildlife Officer and longtime friend.
Chris says
So sorry for your loss, Carol.