Steven Dale Ford

He was born February 27, 1969 in Peoria to Gail and Sandra (Bontz) Ford. He was preceded in death by his parents; his maternal and paternal grandparents; two uncles, Leland Bontz and Bill Waddell; and one aunt, Barbara Waddell.

He is survived by his son, Tyler Ford of Cuba; one brother, Louis “Louie” Ford of Bellevue; cousin, although more like a sister, Kim (Kevin) George of Bartonville; one niece, Faith Ford of Eureka; one nephew, Seth Ford of Bloomington. Also surviving are his aunts and uncles: Lonnie (Patti) Ford of Glasford, Clayton (Mary Alice) Bontz of Mapleton and Ann Bontz of Bartonville; his Bontz cousins, Debbie (George) Andrea's, Diane (Andy) Legaspi, David (Jody) Bontz, Florence (Doug) Clark, Patty (Curt) Caudill, Barbara (John) Cunningham, George Bontz, William "Bill" Bontz, Linda Bontz Look, Robert "Bob" Bontz, Bruce (Nan) Bontz, Beth Bontz Wirth, Melanie Bontz ; his Waddell cousins, Eugene (Buck) and Beth Waddell, Billie "Sis" (Todd) Steidinger and lastly, his beloved dog, Sadie.

Steve worked for Mitsubishi Motors for 26 years, until their closing. He then worked for a short time as an over the road truck driver, lastly making the move to Caterpillar, Inc. where he worked for the last three years.

He was a jumpmaster parachute instructor for Minier Jump Club.

Steve was the life of the party. He worked hard, but played harder. He loved his family, his friends, his motorcycle, and his dog Sadie. His friends would describe him as adventurous, charismatic and witty. He was the kind of person who would do anything for anybody.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022 from 5 - 9 p.m. at the American Legion Post 979 in Bartonville.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com