My sincere sympathies especially today as his family friends and loved ones through the yrs are sharing in respect and honor to a wonderful Coach Ford. As I sit here remembering seeing him coach many students literally from our family front porch and hearing the crowds, students ,parents at Center North celebrating in his instruction it’s overwhelming to see the impact he made in my life and so many more. RIP Coach Ford . Heaven is Our Final Eternity for many more cheers to celebrate forever.

Vicki and family,
I was so sorry to hear the news of Coach’s passing.  He was a tremendous mentor to me and I was glad to be able to see him and tell him how much he meant to me when I saw you both at Coach Hayes’ birthday party.  There weren't a lot of people of color at Center North back in the early 70's but I never felt that he treated me differently than any other of his students.  I still can hear him berating me about running zippers so slow and was one of the few people that I still allow to call me "Flipper."  I will keep you lifted in prayer as you deal with these trying days.  I’ll see you at the homegoing celebration.  He will be missed!
Dwayne "Flipper" Lewis


Coach was my coach. I have stories from playing every sport for him,  our close bond even though I lacked athletic skills, getting to make a pot of coffee every morning for him for three years, being the guy who presented him his Center Athletic Hall of Fame plaque on the field at CHS and ALWAYS telling him that I love him.  I learned the hard way that I had to have good grades to play for him, that you don't snap other kids in the shower with your towel and that you can learn and teach life skills thru athletics. My favorite times were him pulling up in his car outside my office and us just talking old times. An amazing man that taught me so much and I didn't know I was learning. 
Thank you Vicki and family for sharing him with so many.
Coach...."I love you."

I want to give my condolences to the family.  I was a student of Coach Ford’s from 1963 to 1965–my eighth and ninth grade years at Center North.  He was my gym teacher and used to give us tests.  I remember him including bonus questions, like “Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb?”  He also supervised a gym-full of us exercising to the song “Go You Chicken Fat Go.”  I left Kansas City after graduating Center in 1968, went to the University of Wisconsin, and later became a rabbi, and I retired five years ago.  Clearly, I was not a “jock.”  But, I was on the football, basketball, and track teams in eighth grade, and on the basketball team in ninth.  I discovered in eighth grade that my future was in public speaking.  And, even though I had no contact with Coach since 1965, I remember him encouraging me to try out for the basketball team because—like him—I was scrappy, fast, and determined.  Thanks to him, I have a letter (the number  65) that I earned in basketball.  And, that’s because he had the compassion to let me play on the second-team varsity the last two games of the season.  In Yiddish, we call people like Larry Ford a mensch—a decent, kind human being.  I have thought about him over the years, and wish I hadn’t lost contact with him—one of his many students who was only that and not a remarkable athlete.  I just want you to know that his legacy to me is still appreciated, and it fascinates family and friends that I—the 5’6” rabbi—had someone who believed in me as an athlete long ago.  I have tried to do the same with my daughter and my students by encouraging  them to try to do not what is easy but what is hard.  Other than sharing our love for Judaism together, my daughter  grew up shooting hoops a lot with me and her favorite sport to play was basketball from the third through the tenth grade.  Thanks, Coach.   May his memory forever be a blessing.

Our sympathy to Vicky and the Ford family for their loss of Larry.  Larry, Vicky and their family were neighbors to Joe and "The Georgia Peach" Maness.  Neighbors is an understatement.  When Joe and Georgia needed help and family could not get there, Larry or Vicky (depending on the need at hand) seemed to appear and then disappear after the task was completed without waiting for so much as a thank you.  I would probably be chagrined to know how many hours Larry's lawnmower had on it from mowing Maness grass.   Suffice it to say, Larry's was a life well lived and well loved.

Glenn and Kathy Bengtson

My thoughts and prayers to you, Vicky, children, and grandchildren of Coach Larry Ford. 
Coach Ford came into my life around 1963 or 1964 when I attended Center Annex Elementary. What a great physical education teacher he was! I later had him for three fun and fantastic years at Center North Junior High. He had the best physical education class that I ever attended. He made us learn the history of certain games and then the measurements of the courts, etc, etc. I learned how to play tennis and handball in his classes and he made it fun even to do the Presidents Fitness Test by offering different colors of gym shorts according to your physical abilities during the testing. He also made sure that ANYONE could pass his class even if they were athletically challenged. What a great coach, teacher, and friend! 
Coach Ford will be missed by so many of “his kids” whether by blood or just respect and love that we feel. 
May God’s peace be with you all during this tough time. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

I got to know Coach at Center South Jr. High in the early 80s as my PE teacher.  I was afraid of him at first, but soon I liked him a lot and I could tell he liked me.  I developed an immense respect for the way he really "taught" PE.  I played football on one of his many undefeated Jr. High teams and he became my JV basketball coach at CHS.  He had nicknames for many, but to this day he is the only person who could call me Jeffrey without it driving me crazy.  His players loved playing for him and yes, I saw other memories shared about the wind-sprints.  By the 80s he called them "zippers."  It is true that we never lost games due to not being in shape.  Another player recalled him shooting his hook shot from the foul line.  By the 80s he shot quite a few of those hook shots from mid-court.  Butch also coached my wife Julie in track during our years on the track team as well.

Years later as a teacher and coach myself, of course I draw on the lessons he taught, but I had a unique experience with Butch as well.  We coached basketball against each other while he was at Raytown and I coached at Lee's Summit.  A few years later, I was coaching the Freshman A team and Coach Ford came on board and coached our Freshman B team and assisted me.  It was a little strange at first, but he made it easy and we had a lot of fun for a couple of years together.  He sure loved teaching the game and interacting with kids.  He also loved talking about the old times at CHS and the teams and players he had known.  He would call a few times a year.  I was so glad he was able to come to Coach Max Hayes' 90th birthday party and see everyone.  He loved being a part of Center reunions and get-togethers with former players.  I know he had a special place in his heart for those guys on the undefeated '76 team and he played an important role in their success.  He touched so many lives and seemed to remember nearly all of us.
You're the best, we will miss you Coach!   
Jeff Herron  CHS '87

Coach Ford had a significant impact on our lives and taught us many valuable life skills that we continue to use on a daily basis. Things such as discipline, hard work, commitment, and that team successes always trumped individual achievements. He always got the best out of his players and commanded respect. He was truly one of the best basketball coaches we ever had. 

We still get together with some of the Center High School  players and friends from "the old days" and we often laugh at  the memories we have of playing sports on Coach Ford's teams. He always amazed us with his ability to remember highly detailed information about specifics games, statistics, and situations we encountered during the basketball season- not just our team but all of his teams over 35+ years of Coaching. 

 Lastly , he remained a good friend through all the years. Our condolences go out to Vicki and family. Coach had a great run and made a difference in so many lives!   He will always be remembered.

 With warm regards, Mick and Rick Allison CHS '76





Vicky,
Well there’s seems to be many seasons in one person’s life. Coach Ford had many, football basketball, track. Coach, teacher a husband and most importantly a father. You can attest for that being married to him for many years. Coach Ford’s life had many.
I first met him in third grade at Center elementary as our PE coach. That’s when he taught me how to spell “Physical Education”. I believe he was single then. In 1965 all of Center’s 6th grade students were placed into Center North due to the Old Elementary expansion. Those students were lucky enough to finish the entire last seven years of school together.
Well I guess he’s finished his last season on this earth and now it’s time for the most important season, eternity. 
Tom Beeler
May1, 2019


My favorite memory of Coach Ford was during the fitness program President Kennedy’s administration. One part of the program was chin-ups.  I could not do one chin-up as hard as I tried. He finally told me “just hang there a few seconds and we will count it”.  He started before school basketball for girls at Center Elementary.  It was so much fun! 
Years laterI saw him at the Raytown Bank.  He was just as I remembered him and he actually remembered me!  A great man, teacher and coach! 

Prayers to his wife and family.

Vicky.  First of all, my condolences to you and your family on the loss of your husband.  Last summer there was a reunion of sorts at the former Center North building.  I was able to visit with both you and Coach Ford at that time.  Coach Ford was our P.E. teacher but also the coach for 9th grade track, basketball and football in which I competed.  I had not seen him in years but as I walked down the hall toward him he called out my name and a football play which I had long forgotten.  You see, he  remembered that I was one of the smallest quarterbacks to lead any of his teams.  Haha.  He also remembered and asked about my sister who came through Center North 4 years after me.  Not only did he coach the primary boy's sports, but he also introduced students to other sports like handball, badminton and an excellent physical education program.

He was one of a kind (in an affectionate way) to be sure, a no-nonsense guy, but one who had the student's best interest in mind.  I, like many others want you to know about the positive impact he had on my life.  I have forgotten many of my former teachers over the years but not "Coach" Ford.  I am so glad I was able to see and visit with him again.  My prayers are with your family.  May he rest in peace.

Coach Ford was such a great person. He always made you feel included. ~ R.I.P. 

I met this wonderful Gentleman when I was 5 yrs old. He was our grade school Gym teacher. At the same time we moved to Center North he made his career change to be a Coach there. He was so loved and respected by everyone there!  Seems like he was always such a big part of my younger years.  He was always kind and respectful to us   I believe it was his way of being an example to us. Perhaps his way of showing who we should be. He was a Friend and Hero to so many of us.!  He showed us how to respect others and ourselves. What a great example he was to all of us. Our loss is Heaven’s gain!  RIP Coach!  Thanks for being such a big part of our lives!

Larry was a good friend as we went to school together for 12 years in Pleasant Hill. Played football together and each time we got together over the years we talked about him running the opening kickoff back for a touchdown at Harrisonville. He was a very good athlete.  
Our prayers are with you.

Playing basketball for Coach Ford he made sure we never lost a game for being out of shape, because I can still hear him saying these words at the end of each practice "line up for wind sprints" RIP 

    It seems like in our fast moving world,a lot of us have lost the way.  The education system is not immune. we need more like coaches Ford, Neil and Groff.    
    Unlike many coaches , all students were important. Not just the so called athletes.  He was totally dedicated to those children who reached out to learn.  The learning was as much about respect and values, as it was about running the wheel in basketball.
    Our nation is blessed by God , because of people such as coach ford.  I have been forever grateful for the positive influence he had on me. 
   One day we may know how many young lives he has helped. Thank you coach Ford.
     Richard Bledsoe   Class of 69 CNJH
   P.S.  My life has been good . In my career I`ve  struggled  with every thing from razor bade attacks to  looking down the barrel of a gun or guns.  But sometimes,  late at night , I hear the words ,  "one more windsprint "  For those very special ex athletes of the coach. Nothing else needs to be added.

I knew Butch most all of my life. Our Dads played baseball together as did Butch and I. I was the young kid on the town team. Started playing with the big guys at 15.  He always treated me like one of the guys. Never looked down on me because of my age. He went on to be a good successful coach. RIP Butch, you were one of my early heroes.

One of the Greatest Teachers/Coach's. He taught me alot at Center North. Ive enjoyed my time talking with him at the Casino. Mrs. Ford my prayers are with you and the family. 

So sorry for your loss, prayers for all the family.
He will be truly missed, and that great smile.
Peace be with you.
Wynn and Bill Higgins.



It's sad to hear that we lost a legend. Butch started out as our gym teacher at Center Elementary.  He knew how to relate to kids long before he found his true calling as Coach Ford at Center North.  It only took one 500 word essay to assure me it was Physical Education, NOT gym. He had a great smile and a great wit, and always included a trick question on any written test. He left an impression that will last a lifetime. 
 I can still see him practicing his hook shot from the top of the key. My condolences to his family. He will be truly missed.

Butch was one of my early mentors and partners as a football official. He always liked to wear shorts to officiate. He was even handed as an official and did not put up with any guff or silliness. Loved his stories and laughter. RIP, Butch. 

First of all, I want to convey my deepest condolences to Vicki and to Coach's extended family. Butch will definitely be missed by many of his former students. I'm very thankful I had the opportunity to reconnect with Coach later on in life. I loved laughing and telling stories (and he could tell stories with the best of them) with him at the Center North Reunions. Butch had a unique enduring bond with his students...it was like time never lapsed. For those of us that went to Center North back in the day, Coach is, and always be, an icon. He was the best Physical Education Teacher ever...bar none. My diverse love of sports and physical training began with my three years at Center North. For this, I will always be grateful to Coach. But most of all, I'm proud to say he was my friend. 

Vaya con dios mi amigo...Go with God my Friend

OBITUARIO

Larry Marvin Ford

27 abril, 1939 – 29 abril, 2019

Newcomer's Floral Hills Funeral Home & Floral Hills Cemetery

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