David Douglas Ford

David Ford, 69, passed away on March 16 following a cardiac arrest. He was born in Oklahoma, the third of three children, to Will and Julia Ford, and was raised in Alabama and California. David was the grandson of long-time Oklahoma residents Frank and Josephine Kilpatrick, and William and Maude Ford.

He attended Santa Clara University in California, and participated in the Junior Year Abroad program in Rome, Italy. He graduated with a degree in Philosophy, and later earned his Master’s degree in Financial Services. David was married to Mary Milt for 47 years, his childhood friend, whose parents had grown up together and were family friends. He was the proud father of two children and lived many places before retiring in Texas. David was in the life insurance business, was a talented public speaker, and in later years, fulfilled a life-long dream of writing, publishing a play and five books. Through his Christian faith, he was involved in the international prison ministry Kairos, spreading the love of Jesus Christ in the darkest of places. He also taught classes to inmates in prison, and through both of these efforts, started a letter-writing ministry corresponding weekly with over 30 prison inmates. For 25 years, he managed a family game of college football Bowl Pix, which brought laughter and fun to all extended family participants.

He loved being with his family, games of all kinds, reading (the Bible and Kierkegaard were among his favorites) walking, relaxing in his backyard hammock listening to podcasts, engaging in interesting conversation, and fearless cooking. He was a lifelong seeker of knowledge, fascinated with the study of physics, philosophy, and the mysteries of the universe. In his earlier days, he enjoyed playing golf, surfing, baseball, basketball, running, camping and hiking. He will be remembered for his clever wit and sense of humor, his love of music (especially Bob Dylan), and his generosity. He never met a stranger and would engage with anyone.

He was kind and compassionate and received great pleasure from giving whatever he could give to whomever he thought might need something. He was a faithful loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be hugely missed! He is survived by his wife Mary Milt, son Harrison, daughter Taylor, and five grandchildren, as well as his sister Judy, brother Bill, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial service to be held at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, Colleyville, Texas, on Saturday, March 24, at 3:00 PM. Donations in his memory can be sent to Kairo’s Prison Ministry.

If you wish to send floral condolences in honor of David, you may call Dr. Delphinium Designs and Events, 214-525-1284.