Lenon Ford Jr.

Age 34, born in Glendora, Ca to Lenon, Barbara and older brother James. Lenon arrived in 45 minutes. He looked as though he had been here before, old wrinkly and peeling. He struggled early in life with asthma. By age nine he had outgrown most of the symptom's. Lenon played pop warner football with his brother James while attending school in Covina, Orange County and Riverside County. Lenon was the kid with his shirt partially tucked, one shoe untied, and always forgetting something. Though he had some struggles with fitting in, he began to blossom at Centennial High School where he played JV and Varsity football as well as Wrestled with both teams going to State and CIF Championships.

Lenon was always concerned about others. His immediate reaction was to assist, which cost him in consequences at times. Lenon began to connect with Crossroads Church members and joined the church and a group called "Generate" for the young people in the community. They participated in "Adopt a block" a program where they would go into the community and assist the elderly with yard work, carrying groceries or play ball with the local kids. They also worked feverishly with donations for holidays. Lenon's leadership skills began to shine.

Lenon discovered MMA during this time and was sneaking off to his friend Delbridge's house to practice on a mat in their home. Next thing you know Empire Gym, 10th Planet, Tuff N Nuff, and King of the Gage, where Lenon became Champion. Lenon loved everything about this sport, the camaraderie, the history, the fighting and love share among fierce warriors. His dream of becoming a UFC Champion was shattered by and enlarged ventricle on the left side of his heart. He had a pro fight scheduled at RFA which they say he lost. You have to see it. Lenon was a Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu and received his training at 10th planet and excelled under the training at Millenia MMA.

In 2020 Lenon was found stuck in the fetal position unable to move due to severe pain. This was after months of back pain. Lenon was diagnosed with Cancer and a tumor was holding his spine together. After three surgeries, and a diagnoses of Valley Fever which was eating through his spine as well as titanium rods and screws which were infused to replace damaged bones Lenon made the decision to move to Las Vegas, NV and pursue his  recreated dream of coaching.

Lenon decided to change his dream and to coach others in their hopes of making it to Championship. That is exactly what he did. Lenon coached at Syndicate MMA as well as Extreme Couture. The very last fight Lenon coached he was very ill. They drove 10 hours and had to find oxygen for him, barely making it home and landing him in the hospital.

Lenon met the love of his life while coaching. Xiaoya, she is an angelic, loving caring soul placed here just for him. She shared with me how Lenon taught her about God, love and how to live. They gave each other strength.

Once entering manhood, Lenon began to master his journey. Asking God how to best help others. He was known to formulate or be in the midst of groups of love filled people on their journey. Lenon was known for bringing others to God. Lenon never cared about named brand items, we were lucky to get him to where clothes. He did not care about material things. He really wanted others to know what really matters, your relationship with God.

A funeral service for Lenon will be held on Saturday, January 31 at 1:00 pm at Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary 800 S Boulder HIghway Henderson, NV 89015, He will be laid to rest immediately following.