Thomas Michael Ford

Thomas Michael "Mikey" Ford, 50, of Springfield, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at 5:45 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2009 at Memorial Medical Center. Thomas was born July 4, 1959 in Springfield, the son of Raymond Patrick, Jr. and Marie Eileen Woodson Ford. Thomas graduated from Lanphier High School in 1978. He completed the janitorial training program at Sparc and worked at the Capitol Vocation Center for three years as a custodian. He worked for twenty-one years for the State of Illinois in food service in the McFarland Mental Health Center. He later was employed as a school bus monitor by Laidlaw. Thomas enjoyed camping, listening to classic rock n roll music, and his animated figures. He was a member of the Catholic faith, and had attended St. Aloysius Church and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his sister, Patricia (husband, Charles) Pint of Evanston; a niece and nephew; and several cousins. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Funeral mass will be held at 12 noon Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at St. Katharine Drexel Parish at Sacred Heart Church, 730 South 12th St., Springfield with Rev. Peter Harman, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence, Springfield, IL 62705 or Sparc, 232 Bruns Lane, Springfield, IL 62702. The family of Thomas Michael Ford is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.