Terry Lee Ford (69) born October 2, 1952, formerly of Lima, OH, passed peacefully in hospice care on December 27, 2021, after repeated bouts of an aggressive, metastatic melanoma. He graduated from Lima Senior High School (’71), the Ohio State University (’79), and Lexington Theological Seminary (’82).
Spiritual from a young age, Terry was not afraid of what lay ahead, but he treasured his time on earth, where he loved and was loved by many. He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Pauline and Ben Presnell, as well as his brother, Robert Ford. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Darlene (Buckmaster), their children Drew and Melissa, his sister Linda (Howell), niece Ashley, nephews Mike and Robby, and the countless people whose lives he touched as a friend and spiritual advisor in his capacity as reverend at multiple church throughout his life.
Terry’s first church appointment was in Decatur, IL, and he retired from ministry after serving the First Christian Church in Liberal, KS. Terry loved everyone he knew, Ohio State football, and Led Zeppelin. He loved to sing, though he’d tell you he wasn’t any good at it. He was kind and honest (except about his singing) and funny and fearless.
In lieu of flowers, Terry’s family requests that any donations be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center or BSA Hospice of the Southwest TX, so that others may never have to know the struggles he faced. They also request that you tell your loved ones that you love them. It was his favorite thing to tell us.
A service of celebration will be held at the First Christian Church in Liberal, KS at 2:00 P.M., on Sunday, January 16, 2022.
Darlene,
I saw Terry’s name in the Pension Fund magazine and hoped it was someone else.
I have thought of you both often, but since I retired and started working for a hospice, my time gets away.
My love and prayers are yours.
Terry and I shared a lot of life in the few years we had together as minister and church elder in Lemoyne, PA. We shared a celebration of his ministry, spent probably hours just talking, shared a special retreat at church camp — gosh, need details to make this meaningful, but Sylvia and I will treasure our times with Terry and Darlene during worship and at picnics in their back yard. I miss our times but will treasure the memories. Our love to Darlene and all family.
Oh Eddie,
A couple days before Terry passed, our son and my mother were having conversation and you came up in his story. It was back in the late 70’s, he was driving me home when flashing lights appeared through the window. You had noticed his orange and cream Maverick, checked his plate to confirm and pulled him over. You came up to the window saying “Hay turkey, what’s up?” Or something to that affect. It was so funny because the night before he was pulled over going in the opposite direction on 65 and was given a warning for speeding. Terry had fond memories with you and the gang. Blessings
I so enjoyed the ministry of Terry and you Darlene the years you spent in Pennsylvania. Terry was a joy to be around, a good leader to the Region and camp. You both have been very much missed in Pennsylvania since you left. Be assured of our prayers for you and your family Darlene. David and Cathy Mansfield
Thank you for the kind words. We enjoyed our time in PA and were blessed to serve in local, regional and state levels of the church. I am so honored to have been apart of Terry’s ministry. We have many wonderful memories!
Terry was a fun loving God loving person. Gone way too soon.