Chester Lee Ford

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want..."Psalms 23 Chester Lee Ford the eldest child of Howard and Mildred Crew Ford was born October 8, 1946 in El Dorado, Arkansas. At an early age he united with the Methodist Church and later professed his unyielding love for Christ as he united with the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Felton Burgie. Chester was a 1965 graduate of Washington High School where he was well known and loved by all and a member of the varsity football team. In 1963, Chester was swept off his feet by Jo Ann Ellison, who came to be the love of his life. On June 26, 1965, they were united in holy matrimony. To this consecrated union, they were blessed with one child; Adrienne. Shortly after high school, Chester enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served during the Vietnam Conflict and unltimately recieved an honorable discharge. Upon release from the military, he and Jo Ann moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he was employed by Ford Motor Company. After growing restless, they relocated to Milwaukee. While in Milwaukee, they were both employed by Briggs and Stratton for more than thirty-two years and subsequently retired and returned back to their roots in El Dorado, Arkansas. Chester was a man who loved family and never met a stranger. He had a massive love for people and people loved him in the same way. His love for the grandchildren; Brianna and Najah was second to none. He also had a loyal companion, known as "man's best friend', his pit bull; Yukon; which was also his "call sign" in the Zodiac Stars Biker's Club. Chester's enthusiasm for antique cars and traveling from state to state with the bikers club were unsurpassed. On October 21, 2011, he transitioned to his perpetual resting place where he eternally united with his parents, grandparents, Joe W. and Lizzie Tatum Crew, one brother; James Howard, three aunts, Alto, Ella Mae, Bessie Marie, four uncles, J.C., L.B., J.K. and Roosevelt,one god-brother, Burce McDaniels and in-laws, Eurslean Culp and Jimmy Ellison. His loving memories will be forever cherished by his wife of forty-six years; Jo Ann Ford of El Dorado, Arkansas; one daughter Adrienne Ford of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; two grandchildren, Brianna Ford and Najah Taylor; Mother-in-law, Vernita Ellison; four aunts, Florence Hart, Betty Joe, Martha, Ella Mae; one uncle, Jessie Ford; one-sister-in law, Nancy Stewart and one brother in law, Jimmie Ellison, Jr.; three God-brothers, Frank(Judy)McDaniels, Kermit McDaniesl and Clarence McDaniels; two God-sisters, patricia Hawkins and Willie Mae Pickett along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. A Homegoing Celebration for Chester will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2011@2:30 p.m. at the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 2506 College Ave, El Dorado, Arkansas with Rev. Felton Burgie officiating. Interment will be held in the VA Cemetery in North Little Rock, Arkansas under the direction of the Sims Mortuary Staff. Visitation at the funeral home will be Friday, October 28, from 9am to 4pm and Saturday, October 29, from 9am to 1pm. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Chester Lee Ford, please visit our flower store.