Gene Hamilton Ford

Gene Hamilton Ford, or “PaPa” to his grandchildren, died at home on November 15, 2014 in Houston, Texas. Born at home on April 6, 1928 in Negreet, Louisiana to Amelie Armstrong Ford and Clyde Ford Sr., Gene spent his childhood years on the family farm. He graduated from Dayton High School in Texas in 1945, and joined the Air Force near the end of WWII. During his service he was awarded the WWII Victory Medal. He also played in the Air Force band and received an honorable discharge in 1948. He attended North Texas State College, now known as the University of North Texas, and withdrew after three years to begin earning a living as a musician. He returned to school part-time in 1954 and graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 1958.

After moving to Houston, Texas, he met the love of his life and married Jo Ford on July 5, 1957. They embarked on a long-time career as professional musicians in the Houston area, playing at popular private clubs. Gene also began his teaching career with the Houston Independent School District and imparted his musical knowledge and passion upon thousands of elementary school students. While working two jobs and raising a family, he again returned to school and earned a master’s in Music Education from UH in 1977. After retiring in 1998, his love of music never waned as he continued studying it, playing it and listening to it daily.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Jo, in 2012. He is survived by brother Clyde Ford, Jr, of Austin and wife Alice, daughters Rebecca Mannel and husband Robert of Oklahoma, Leslie Behr of Colorado, stepdaughter Brooke Balin Thibert and husband Timothy, stepsons David Fulenwider and wife Marcela and James Fulenwider and wife Charlotte, all of Houston. Gene also leaves 10 grandchildren (David, Lisa, Brian; James, Glenn, Shelby; Justin, Hayley; Erika, Alexandra) and 4 great grandchildren.

A private family celebration of Gene’s life was held on December 6, 2014. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes gifts in his memory to the Moore School of Music at the University of Houston. Gene and Jo were both alumni and avid fans of UH. Online gifts can be made via: https://giving.uh.edu/class/. Select Music for the Moore School of Music on the drop down box.