Born May 30, 1943 in Benton County, Arkansas to Robert C. and Doris Irene (Wissler) Ford, he married Linda L. Streitmatter on July 12, 1964 in Peoria. She passed away July 28, 2003 in Peoria. He later married Cheryl Lynn (Holmes) Brewster on July 31, 2004 in Groveland. She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Jodie (Joe) Privett of Morton and Tami Hagenauer of Brentwood, Tennessee; one son, Robert Paul (Jennifer) Ford of Peoria Heights; two stepsons, Robert (Danielle) Martindale of North Pekin and Patrick (Lori) Martindale of Des Moines, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Alexandra, J. Cameron (Marissa) and Evan Privett, Tyler and Max Hagenauer, Robert Brycen Ford and Anthony (Kelsey) Wakeland; five great-grandchildren, Daniel and Deacon Privett, Gentry and Miranda Wakeland and Kayson Martindale; one brother, Teddy Ford and two sisters, Linda (Bob) Harms and Rebekah (Richard) Tomlin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife and two brothers, Nicholas Ford and Russell Ford.
Robert worked as supervisor in the engine division at Caterpillar, Inc. for over 35 years, retiring in 1999.
He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and going on family trips to Arkansas. He enjoyed playing golf and watching the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears, especially when they were beating the Green Bay Packers.
Robert was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Groveland. He loved being involved in the church and his men’s accountability group. He and his wife were leaders in the Small Group Ministry for 16 years. The Bible-making ministry, Bearing Precious Seed, held a special place in his heart. He and Cheryl were on the committee and enjoyed hosting the missionaries in their home.
Robert was a prayer warrior. He prayed faithfully for many years that his family and those he came into contact with would come to know and love the Lord.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2026 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Jonathan Chadbourn will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hirstein Cemetery in Morton.
Memorial donations may be given to Cornerstone Baptist Church, 18040 Unsicker Road, Groveland, IL 61535.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
