David “Benton” Ford was born at home, delivered by his great-uncle, on April 4, 1924, in Grand Prairie. He attended Grand Prairie High School where he was the first editor-in-chief of the Gopher newspaper, “The Prairie Dog,” and he graduated in May, 1941. After graduating from North Texas Agricultural College (a two-year school) he served in the U.S. Army in the European theater of World War II. His Company D, 413 Infantry Regiment 104th/Timberwolf Division fought through France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. Benton earned two bronze stars with oak clusters.
Benton arrived back in Grand Prairie on a Thursday and started work Monday for the assistant superintendent of GPISD. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration at SMU. He also began a personal income tax preparation business out of his home. His father joined him to check and type returns, and the business became “Ford and Son.” Benton completed thousands of individual tax returns until 2017.
Benton was a Master Mason and just received his 60 year pin. He served 15 years on the school board and was a member of Grand Prairie Optimists including serving as state lieutenant governor.
Benton was active at First United Methodist Church. He sat in the front row with his friends Sandy, Buddy, and Judy. He and Maureen donated the money to build the two floors of the administration building (back of Baker Chapel) and to many other causes.
A visitation for David "Benton" will be held Thursday, March 28, 2019 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home Beltline Road, 2951 S. Belt Line Road, Grand Prairie, TX 75052. A funeral service will occur Friday, March 29, 2019 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 122 N Center St, Grand prairie, TX 75050. A graveside service will occur after the funeral service at Southland Memorial Park Cemetery, 1100 SW 3rd St, Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie, TX 75051.
Serving as pallbearers are Ben Cockerell, Brian Cockerell, Don Roberts, Skip Johnson, Brent McRae, Tex Hopkins, Dave CriHenden, Bill Arnold, Roy Hallmark, George Mills, Durwood Barnard, Kenneth Smith, Buddy White and Jimmy Welch.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beanmasseyburge.com for the Ford family.
