John Wendell Ford

John Wendell Ford, age 80, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family present. He was born on September 30, 1939, in Tipton, Iowa. He enlisted in the Navy at age 17, became a 3rd Class commissary man at age 19, and served on the USS Bexar with two cruises to Japan, Hawaii, and the Philippines. He was honorably discharged in 1960. John met the love of his life and best friend, Nancy Honn, in 1959 and they were happily married for 58 years. They had two children, Terry Lynn and Charles Douglas.

John completed the Welding Metallurgy certificate program at San Diego City College in the 1960’s and taught ROP Welding at Ramona High School in the 1980’s. He worked for Alfred M. Lewis wholesale grocers as a warehouseman and semi-truck driver for 16 years then for Crest Beverage as a semi-truck driver.

John was active in Freemasonry for 53 years and practiced their principals and teachings in his life. He made many life-long friends as a past master and a life member of San Diego Lodge No. 35, F. & A.M., an affiliated past master and life member of Santa Maria Lodge No. 580 in Ramona, a life member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, and a life member of Al Bahr Shriners, as well as a member of El Cajon Elks Lodge #1812.

John loved to cook and feed people. He found great reward in cooking and arranging food for events/fundraisers for the Shrine and was awarded the “Purveyor Emeritus” honor for his many years of service.

John had many hobbies including Ornamental Iron Blacksmithing work and was a member of ABANA (Artist Blacksmith’s Association of North America) for many years. He always enjoyed telling a good story and had a great sense of humor.

John is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Nancy; his daughter, Terry Lynn Holmes (Scott); five grandchildren, Heather and Haley Holmes of Valley Center, Christopher, Courtney, and Caleb Ford of Iowa; and two great-grandchildren, Alana and Jonathan of Valley Center; his brother-in-law, Robert Honn, of Spring Valley as well as nieces, Wendy Jo Brees and Tammy Lynn Delever of Iowa, along with many extended family and close friends.

John was preceded in death by his son, Charles Douglas Ford; his sisters, Kathryn Marie Vance and Sandra Jo Miller of Iowa; and his parents, Charles F. Ford and Mary M. Tank of Iowa.