Frank Elsworth Ford Jr.

Frank Elsworth Ford Jr., 87, formerly of Carthage, passed away at 6:20 p.m. Friday September 23, 2011 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born November 14, 1923 in Carthage, MO. Frank was the son of Frank E. Ford, Sr. and Ida May “Sigler” Ford. Frank was a longtime Carthage resident and upon his retirement moved to Mesa Arizona. Frank served in the Army during World War II in the Army Signal Corps from 1943 to 1946. Frank began his career with Leggett & Platt on January 14, 1946, retired as an executive on October 2, 1981, and served on the Leggett & Platt Board of Directors as an active Director from 1962 until 1996, and an Advisory Director from 1996 until 2001, giving 55 years of service to the company. Frank was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Carthage and also served on the Administrative Board and the Board of Trustee at the church. Frank’s other service accomplishments included the president of the Broadview Country Club in 1955, the president of the Carthage Kiwanis Club in 1960, a member of Carthage Masonic Lodge #197 A.F. and A.M., the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #93, Served on the Board of Public Works from 1977 to 1981, was a member of the Board of directors for Big Brothers and also on the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army in Carthage. Frank was a caring Husband, Loving Father and Grandfather “Papa”. He deeply enjoyed his many Friendships. He had an unwavering devotion to his work and country as well as a sincere and deep faith in God. Frank was united in marriage to Helen “Marsden” on April 12, 1947 in Carthage. She preceded him in death on July 20, 2000. He then married longtime friend Betty Lutes on February 23, 2001 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She survives. Frank is survived by three sons Randy M. Ford and wife Leanne of Joplin Mo., Jamey A. Ford and wife Mary of Valparaiso Ind., Chip (Frank) E. Ford, III and wife Teresa of Nicholasville Ky. and Daughter-in-Law Paula Ford of Carthage; Two step-daughters Beth Powell and Becky Lacy both of Hot Springs Ark., two sisters Marion Keyes, and Ruth Dawald and husband Frank; seven Ford grandchildren Abigail, Hannah, Grayson, Matthew, Duncan, Austin, and Meredith five step-grandchildren Sean Barron, Zach and Cheyenne Lacy, Angela and Ben Riley. Seven step-great-grandchildren; Nicolette and Alyssa Barron, Ian and Caleb Lacy and Tyler, Emma, and Lauren Riley. Frank is preceded by his parents, first wife Helen “Marsden” Ford, one daughter Jo Ellen Ford, one son Sam N. Ford and two brothers Dave Ford and William Ford. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday September 29, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Carthage. Visitation will be held Wednesday September 28, 2011 from 5:00p.m.to 7:00p.m.at Ulmer Funeral Home. The Reverend James Lee will conduct services. Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church Youth Center care of Ulmer’s. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ulmer Funeral Home. On line condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

Frank Elsworth Ford Jr.

November 14, 1923 - September 23, 2011