Samuel "Sam" Nathan Ford

Samuel “Sam” Ford, 57, of Carthage passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at National Healthcare in Joplin. Sam was born February 1, 1952 in Carthage, Missouri. He was the son of Frank E. Ford, Jr. and Helen “Marsden” Ford. He graduated from Carthage High School in 1970. After graduation, he went to work for Leggett & Platt Wire Mill in Carthage. He worked there for 36 ½ years from May 1970 until his retirement on December 2006. Sam married Paula Archer on June 21, 1986. He lived in Carthage all his life until his death. He was a member of the Fairview Christian Church in Carthage. Sam loved his life with Paula. Several other loves in his life was his church and church family, his love for God his many friends, his pets, reading, watching movies. He especially liked watching the Kansas City Chiefs, Missouri Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, Carthage Tigers and playing golf as well as other sports. Sam is survived by his wife Paula of 23 ½ years; his father and stepmother; Frank E. Ford Jr. and Betty Lutes Ford of Hot Springs, AR; three brothers Randall (Randy) his wife Leanne of Joplin, MO.; James (Jamey) his wife Mary of Valparaiso, IN; Frank E. Ford III (Chip) his wife Teresa of Nicholasville, KY.; and his mother-in-law Barbara Archer of Carthage, who’s been a God send to Paula; brother-in-law Paul Archer Jr. and wife Alicia of Webb City, MO; fours nieces, Abigail Ford of Valparaiso, IN., Hannah and Meredith Ford of Nicholasville, KY. and Jessica Archer of Webb City; five nephews, Matthew and Austin of Valparaiso, IN, Grayson and Duncan Ford of Joplin MO., Ryan Archer of Webb City MO., three aunts Marion Keyes of O’Neil NB, Ruth Dawald and husband Frank of Carthage MO, Martha Ford of Edmonton, Canada and a great aunt Christena Thomas of Carthage, also survived by many cousins. Sam was preceded in death by his mother Helen, a sister Jo Ellen, and his father-in-law Paul Archer, Sr. Services will be at Fairview Christian Church, at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 7, 2009. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m., Sunday, December 6, 2009 at Fairview Christian Church. Burial will be in Park Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Fairview Christian Church or United Methodist Church in care of Ulmer Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Samuel "Sam" Nathan Ford

February 1, 1952 - December 2, 2009