Rod’s beautiful smile, wonderful humor and great hugs are sorely missed. My love and prayers for Barbara are for comfort as time goes on. You will never get over losing him, only past the worst in time. Much love, Mitzi

Paw Paw was the sweetest grandpa. He used to pinch me all the time when I was little and say “skeeters gettin ya!” He taught me many things about how important family is.  I will never forget all of the family trips we took to Destin staying at Jetty East. I will always cherish the memories I had with Paw Paw and I can’t wait to share those stories with my kids one day! 

My Rod, My  Husband,  My Love,
I thank God for bringing us together and slowly unfolding a beautiful and wonderful chapter in our lives.
You gave so much to our family & friends and  to me.  Happiness for you was everyone  gathered at our house for  holidays, or just anytime,  sitting outside on the patio, just to laugh, & talk, tell stories, listen to music, watch the Saints & LSU play - enjoying a cold beer or a glass of wine - being with family & friends was pure happiness for you - your love for everyone was so much deeper then anyone knew!
When you played your horn you could bring alive the magic of music -  bringing pleasure to all as they listened & danced the night away! You loved fishing - & you sure could catch fish - I swear the fish seemed to look for your line!  Oh yes, your garden  & your yard - you loved being outside & keeping everything beautiful & manicured with that natural green thumb of yours! 
No one could ever forget our annual Labor Day vacations in Florida with  family & friends - the walks on the beach, going to the rocks,  sitting on the beach or by the pool, having fun with all our family & friends,  going to the docks to see the boats come in - & those juicy, tender steak's under the pavilion  with  everyone - all  special and happy times - now  beautiful memories!
My Mr. Lucky loved going to the coast -  we always won  -not always with money - but with fun  & that is always a big win!
Now, this chapter of our life has taken a temporary pause - God gave us  so many beautiful memories - and He answered our prayers so many times with a miracle, but this last time He answered our prayers differently - He called you home to be with Him & then He gathered your heavenly family & friends around you - to  welcome you with so much love  as they all celebrated your coming home! One day you will hold out your arms to each one of us, gather us close to you and whisper "Welcome home"!
Until then my Rod - I Love you more!
Your Barb


Paw paw, I miss you like crazy. There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think of you. You were a very loving and caring family man, which is one of the things I absolutely loved about you. I’ll never forget the times you would come pick me and Dustin up and just go on a random adventure for the day. We didn’t always know what we were going to do but one thing was for sure; we always had a blast! Wether it was fishing, playing golf, going to the Bell Tare country club, to our local swimming pool, or even going to your good old store you use to own Baskin Robbins. My friends use to love when I would bring up the idea of FREE ICE-CREAM!  I’ll miss those walks on the Levee we use to take or the trips to Destin Florida, and even the nights I would come over to you and grandmas house and spend the night and we would always watch movies together or even just staying up talking about life. I’ll never forget watching the saints and LSU games with all the family . You always brought smiles to everyone by your spirit.  You were a very supportive man in everything I’d do, not so much with the skateboarding but I know you only were worried that I would get hurt and I understand that. I am gonna miss it all Pawpaw, I love and miss you so much it hurts. You will always be apart of me. I’m sure you are playing your trumpet now up there for everyone to hear, and I’m sure you have the biggest crowd, I’ll never forget all the memories we shared  Rest Easy with love from your grandson Devin. 

Rod, you will be so missed!  Your spirit can be summed up in three simple words:  love, generosity & happiness!

Barbara may not know this, but I remember the day you asked me, “So what do you think about me asking Barbara out on a date?  Is it too soon?  Will Laurie & David hate me? Do you think I’m her type?!”  You were so earnestly interested in her heart, I remember telling you “Well it’s clear you have to, but be ready that it won’t be easy since she’s a widow with two teenagers!”  I remember thinking that y’all would make a great couple but I didn’t want to get your hopes up too much!  I’m so happy that you had the courage to make that move!  Look at the love it brought to the lives of so many!!!!

You made so many in my “family” happy & anyone in your presence knew you were fully present with them. Something so many don’t know how to do!

You gave me a chance in my first official job at the Baskin Robbins in LaPlace!  What an experience of fun & responsibility for a teenager!  And I actually still use those skills!

You will be forever missed & never forgotten!

Rod entered our lives when I was 16 and the adventures started shortly thereafter.  Wherever Rod was, a good time was going to follow.  Some of my favorite memories are the times we spent when he and my mom visited us in NY and Austin and of course the trips to Nola, where Rod would play tour guide with the restaurants/bars.  He loved being in Nola and experiencing FQF with him the last several years was so special, you could see him light up every time the music started.  Especially the last time, when we found ourselves on a balcony overlooking Jackson Square...Rod was completely in his element, surrounded by musicians on the balcony and the music coming from the stage.   That smile on his face was permanently imprinted....he was a little upset with me when he learned that we could have been on that balcony all weekend!  We shared so many meals together in Nola, from PO-boys at Parasols to overstaying our lunch at Restaurant August and being asked to leave ever so kindly.  Rod wouldn’t go without getting a picture with the chef, which we got!  Good times and things always happened when Rod was around, I cherish those trips to the wineries together - along with all the good times shared at home.   You helped make a great life for my mom and I’m forever grateful for the love and companionship that you two shared.  You will be missed but your spirit lives on in all of us that you loved.   Blow your horn Rockin Rod!  Love you!  

Paw-Paw Rod,  
We will sure miss the big hugs and wonderful smile you shared each time we were together as a family of friends.  Thanks for sharing football games, parades, beach trips, and special events with our families.  We've truly enjoyed all the special memories we've made with you and Mrs. Barbara over the years.  
Love,
The Martinez's

Rod was my brother and I have many fond memories of him.  When Rod was in college and I was about 8, I used to look forward to him coming  home on weekends and holidays.  It was so much more fun when he was home.  He would wake me up to play cards late at night when he came home after being out and we would stay up to the wee hours of the morning.  At one point he had a convertible and he would take me for rides all over the city.  We would stop at the lakefront and other nice places.  He also took me to Audubon Park many times and for long walks near our home.  I will always cherish that time he spent with me.  

He was always there anytime I needed him and generously welcomed me into his home after Hurricane Katrina for a few months.  I also had the pleasure of  spending vacation time with him in Destin, Florida where we had good times that I will never forget.

In addition to being a wonderful father and paw paw, he was the best brother anyone could  have and he will be dearly missed.

Well Rod-I am so glad I was the crazy one always taking pictures, but this made it very difficult to select the perfect memory that I wanted to share with others.  When I look back over the years, these memories were all perfect.  I am so fortunate that you were a special part in my life.  I look back and reflect on so many different occasions that will always be remembered and cherished.  I decided to show a part of Rod that everyone well knew.  His love for children.  It was a bright, sunny, perfect day in February, 2008.  All of our families and friends were gathered to celebrate MardiGras as we had done for many years.  When we all gathered back at the homefront for hot dogs and chili, you strolled to the park and spent time with the children.  We all know how you loved the little ones.  This is what I remember about you.   I will always keep you close  in my heart.  Love you 

Pawpaw Rod! The best paw paw anyone could have ever asked for.  He had such a unique personality that will forever be with us in our hearts along with amazing  memories that we will never forget. I love you paw paw!

Having known Rod for as long as he has known Barbara I have shared many experiences with him.  One of the fondest memories is when we had our Saints Superbowl party in 2010.  The party was at John and Cary's home and their daughter Alison, my two sisters, Alma Rita and Kitty, Rod and Barbara and of course myself and Elaine were at the party.  

We had asked Rod to bring his trumpet to play "When the Saints Go Marching In" but he said that he hadn't played in over a year and didn't think he could.  When it was party time we were all there early except for Barb and Rod (Hmmmmm, Wonder why they were the last to show?).  However it turned out to be worth the wait because Rod came in blowing his horn to the tune of "When the Saints Go Marching In".  It was so exciting and surprising to hear him playing after all that time.  We all had so much fun dancing and hearing him play our song.  

Of course we all know that the Saints won the game and that all of us had a few beers or wine during the game. Elaine had made some Saints umbrellas for the game so after we won we all Second Lined through the neighborhood with Rod leading the way blowing his trumpet like he never miss a beat.  I had heard Rod play many times with his bands but this time was the best for all of us that were there.

Rod is now playing his trumpet in heaven and I know we will hear him again one day.  Thanks buddy for giving us so much enjoyment.

Your friend,
Carroll

About 4 years ago Rod and Barbara came to Arizona to visit our parents and us.  Our youngest granddaughter, Madisen, was very excited to meet her great uncle and great aunt.  Rod spoke to her in his “whisper” voice. When Madisen would reply to him she would whisper back and it was obvious Rod really enjoyed her whispering.  Rod made my sister happy, thank you Rod!

Ms. Barbara & Rods family:  Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. We hope you find comfort and peace in the days to come. We will all miss Rod! He was such a great person and definitely enjoyed life. 
I love how he was so devoted to all of his family and always treated us kindly and like part of the family as well. His memories will live on and we will never forget him. 
Love,
Brett & Michelle Guidry 



When I think of Mr. Rod, his red cheeks, his smile and tight hugs come to mind. 

I remember weekend evenings at Mr. Rod's old house on Hwy 51. It was always a party...music, food, spirits, laughter, a fire and occasionally a 'spooky' night hike through the woods!  

 I'll never forget the excitement I felt when my Mom or Dad would say "Let's go get some ice cream and see Mr. Rod".  But, I did learn quickly to NEVER stick your whole hand in the economy sized cherry jar! 

When David described him as shirtless, while giving the eulogy, it made me chuckle and also brought back my image of 'shirtless Mr. Rod'....I remember trips to Destin...he would get SO much sun and would be so red, but that redness would turn to a tan. I bet he never put a drop of sunscreen on all those years!  I'll never forget the HUGE round island blow up raft that we took to the beach one year.  I'm pretty sure my Dad blew the entire thing up with his own air and then we had to lower it down off the balcony, because we couldn't get it down any other way.  I think there was eight or ten of us on that thing...what FUN that was! Riding the waves, getting splashed over and over, people falling off one after the other...then struggling to get back on. I remember thinking...I wonder if we could really float to China on this thing. I remember walking to the 'rocks' to go snorkeling. Shirtless Rod, beer in hand, seemed to always be there.  I wonder how many times in his life he made that same walk.  

Hunter (my husband) told me the other day that the first time he met Mr. Rod, he thought to himself "I like this guy".  I know Mr. Rod made him feel 'at home', because that's just the way Mr. Rod was...welcoming.

Thank you God, for allowing Mr. Rod to be a part of my story and my family's story. 
Mr. Rod, you will be missed but always loved and remembered.  
Cheers to a good life, well-lived.

Alicia Weichers Hamilton

Rod was such a kind gentle soul..who made friends so easily.For years...after he became ill..and could not eat..he would always b.b.q..and prepare wonderful dishes..to share with family and friends..He always put other first!!Although his loss will be remain...the Pain will lessen in time.It is a Gift all Fathers n husbands give to their children n spouse..so that they may GoOn. Love you Rod...glad you were in our lives.hugs Patty Chris n family

Mr. Ford, what a great neighbor you were.   You will truly be missed.   Your perservance and strength was no more than amazing.   Throughout everything you kept pushing and remained with a smile and always offered help.   You were a great man, I'll miss our mini sidewalk conversations when coming in from work and your gardening tips.    I remember our last conversation you, I said Mr Ford you have to take it easy, you replied I could do that except I don't  know what that means.   I laughed and laughed.     Get your rest Mr Ford and take it easy. 

A picture says a thousand words ....

May the many memories we all have of Rod live on for eternity in our hearts .... Pawpaw May be Gone , But he was one of those people you meet in life , thats own life makes such a genuine mark and impression upon your own that it’s impossible to forget them  ..... I Love you Pawpaw , thanks for always Loving Me like I was one of your own  . 
(John3:16-19) 
I will forever count  you as one of the many Blessings upon my own life looking down through the years at everything  the Lord has done for me in my own .... 

So long Old Friend , till we meet again !!!!

Rod was my father-in-law and paw-paw to my children.  
I will never forget the barbecues on Hwy 51,  beach vacations, the zoo trips, ice cream, walks on the levee, his jokes, and the visits to our house.  Paw-Paw was all about family and spending time with each other. I am so thankful that he was a part of my family’s life. We are going to truly miss him. 
We Will never forget you and we love you Paw-Paw Rod. 


Rod was a tough(look at his long battle he fought), and fun loving guy, I was proud to have as our “Best Man”!

Dayna, 

We are so sorry for your great loss and pray that you find peace of mind and acceptance at this difficult time.

Kristine & David Mejia

Rodney was good friend and classmate at Redemptorist High many years ago.  I will miss him very much. God bless him and all my classmates that are still living.   Sincerely, Calvin Helmer

OBITUARY

Rodney E. Ford

24 November, 1936 – 19 December, 2019

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

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