Ford Merritt Roesch II

He was born on May 23, 1948 in Kansas City, MO to Ford M. Roesch Sr. and Mary Jane Cates. He was the oldest of two children. Ford was born on his mother’s 19th birthday and it was the one family birthday he always remembered.

He graduated from Southeast High School in Kansas City, MO with the class of 1966. He then entered the United States Navy completing a four-year enlistment as a Gunner’s Mate. He was stationed on the U.S.S. Richard E. Byrd (DDG-23) and visited ports in Cuba, Spain, France and Norway.

He returned home to Kansas City, MO and entered the Carpenters Apprenticeship Program. He became a journeyman carpenter after completing the four-year course. Ford worked in the building trades for most of his career. Ford was a proud member of Carpenters Union Local 61, Kansas City, MO He also was an EMT, a tow truck driver and business owner. Ford worked at Truman Medical Center as a Maintenance Foreman for 27 years before retiring.

Ford also grew up hunting and fishing with his dad, maternal grandpa and uncles. There was never enough time to do either as he got older but he had fond memories of the time spent with his family members. He instead chose to have cats and dogs throughout his life.

Ford was a talented artist, painter, woodworker and photographer. He air brushed many vehicles and motorcycles with his work. He painted with acrylics and oil paints. He also sketched and drew caricatures. He once painted a portrait of his Grandma Cates’ bird dog Duke which she loved. Some of his best photography were his candid shots of family members.

From a very young age Ford liked cars and trucks. The faster the better. Motorcycles were a love of his too. He was riding a Harley Davidson trike up until the beginning of the year when his health wouldn’t let him anymore. He also enjoyed NASCAR whether watching on television or was fortunate enough to be at the track.

As Ford got older and his beard grew grayer, he invested in a beautiful Santa suit. He had a blast playing Santa and was even cooler when he rolled up on his Harley wearing the suit!

He was proceeded in death by his father, Charles Proffitt, mother, Mary Proffitt, paternal and maternal grandparents and many aunts, uncles and beloved cousins.

Ford is survived by his partner, Nita Hickson-Heinlen, Liberty, Mo. Sister, Kimberly (Kevin) Haddix, Kansas City, MO, Son, Shaun M. Roesch, Edwards, MO, Daughter, Sheila G. Roesch, Edwards, MO, Niece, Bryn N. Haddix, Omaha, NE, Nephew, Hunter C. Haddix, Kansas City, MO, Stepdaughters, Laura (Anthony) Cosentino, Kansas City, MO and Rebecca (Dave) Jones, Plano, TX, Granddaughter Sarah (Scott) Rader, Liberty, MO and Grandson Quentin Cosentino, Kansas City, MO and many cousins and friends too numerous to mention.