Les, lovingly known as Grampy grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he attended Roosevelt High School. During his high school years, he was passionate about speed skating, wrestling, and tennis.
After high school, he was called to serve his country in the Army as a medic. Les took great pride in his service and enjoyed sharing his experience as a Korean War Veteran with anyone and everyone willing to lend an ear.
Les was an honest, hard working man. After his tour with the army, he worked at Western Electric and the President Shop before settling in as a Machinist with TWA for 31 years before retiring. During his years at TWA, Les earned the Leadership Award and collected TWA memorabilia proudly displayed in his home.
Les, was not all work and no play. During his free time he would enjoy a round of golf, playing or watching. Fishing was a favorite relaxing past time, he enjoyed his trips to Canada to fish and hunt. He would often return home to proudly share his conquests with close friends and family.
But, the military, his career and hobbies are not what defined him. Thirty three years ago....that chance encounter at the Smugglers Inn is what opened his heart to a whole new definition. Les met the love of his life, Peggy Diane Ford. That night was the beginning of a new way of life for them both. It was that night, that Diane and Les began their journey. They opened their hearts to love each other, to bring their families together. Les, took on the role as a father to 3 children in addition to his own 3, he lived as a devoted, loving husband and father. He became known as "Grampy" by what grew into 16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren as well the addition of Katie ( his beloved kitten, she brought him the kind of joy that only a spunky kitten can) . As his family grew, so did his love and devotion to Diane, to each child, each grandchild, and great grandchild. Grampy, had a way of connecting individually with each and everyone. While keeping up with his family, Grampy did make time for the Knights of Columbus, the VA, some rest and relaxation at the lake for some boating and fishing.
Grampy, is preceded in death by his parents,Stewart and Erma Ford and twin sisters Geneva and Genevieve.
He is survived by the love of his life Diane Ford, sister Carol Walker, daughter Jodi (Ford) Epperson, daughter Lori (Ford) Klein, daughter Jill (Ford) Tilden, son Pete Kensinger, , daughter Stephanie Borunsky, daughter Tracey Bertram, 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and his beloved kitten Katie.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life and memory on: Friday, Aug. 23rd at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 900 Shady Lane, KCMO. Visitation, 4:00PM, Funeral Mass, 5:00PM, Meal Gathering 6:00PM.
