Don Henry Ford

Born a month before the Great Depression, Don Henry Ford’s childhood was not an easy one, but that is where he honed his unbeatable optimism and grit by pushing through adversity and coming out on top. He was born into a family with a legacy in the oil fields and on the ranch. Growing up the youngest in a family of four boys, he learned hard work on a ranch near Abilene, Texas. At a young age, he suffered the loss of his best friend, was run over by a truck, endured traction and learned to walk again, and lost a dear brother by the time he was ten. Despite his crushed leg, he recovered enough to excel in track & field a few years later. He started working outside of school to help his family by selling newspapers, delivering ice, cleaning out horse stalls, and later working at the USO. Early on he was already showing independence, buying an old Army jeep and motorcycle with his income, all while sharing his earnings with his family. During high school, he trained with a professional boxer and later boxed in the Army.

In addition to his work ethic and exuberance for life, he pursued spirituality, going on his own to church at a young age. He continued his pursuit of a life with Christ in the Catholic Church with his wife Nancy whom he met while in college at the University of Texas in Austin. Prior to attending UT, he served with the US Army’s Counterintelligence Corps in Panama. While there and later through his friendship with Hispanic friends in Austin, he learned to speak Spanish and later became fluent.

Upon obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Geology and marrying Nancy, they moved to Midland, Texas where they started a family with their first-born son. Don worked as a geologist, landman, and engineer for various companies, and relocated to Farmington, New Mexico, where three more sons were born. They eventually returned to Midland and Don continued working as a geologist. Their last child and only daughter was born in Midland and shortly after, he decided to take a job in Quito, Ecuador as an exploration geologist and soon became vice-president of an international oil & gas company.

Always a risk-taker, the move to Ecuador proved to be the impetus for many adventures that would benefit the family for generations to come. After considerable success exploring in the Oriente Basin of Ecuador, Don moved his family to Conroe, Texas where he would assume the role of president of the company in nearby Houston. Don was always there for his family, helping his brothers when in need as well as his father, Phil Sr., after his mother, Era, had passed. The family later moved to Abilene, Texas to be near family, his aging father, and eldest son who was starting his own family.

During their time in Abilene, they enjoyed prosperity but also endured more hardship, as the bust soon hit the oil business. The struggle through the oil bust went on for several years, and it became increasingly difficult as there were fewer opportunities for a geologist his age in the oil business. He and Nancy supported their children and grandchildren, always making sure to provide for others while barely having enough for themselves. They moved to Austin and then New Braunfels, after short stints in Carrolton and Wichita Falls. During this period, Don and Nancy enjoyed vacationing together and it seemed as if they might begin enjoying retirement life. However, Don loved staying active and along came a business opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Some of his oil field acquaintances reached out to him to manage an oil & gas venture in Ecuador, so 25 years later, he and Nancy packed up for one more adventure at age 65. He was able to reap financial benefits from the move and shared the work and life experiences with two of his sons and their families. Upon their return to Texas, they settled in Gonzales, Texas where Don returned to the ranching business while pursuing smaller oil and gas projects. In addition to his work in Ecuador, he also laid the groundwork for an exploration project in Guatemala, in which his sons were also involved.

Don is fondly remembered for his love of life and his adventurous spirit, but he was always dedicated to family and engaged with people in a friendly manner, giving them compliments, a warm smile, and words of encouragement. He was a father figure to some, a friend to everyone he met, and had a particular talent for boosting people’s self-esteem. Even in later years, when he relied on caregivers, they were treated like family and loved.

He is sorely missed, but we are so grateful to have had him as such a splendid example of strength, courage, and love. We are happy that he has finally rejoined his beloved Nancy and family and friends in heaven. He lived longer than anyone in his family while enduring a long battle with declining health and nine years without Nancy, all the while fighting to live positively and greeting people with a smile no matter the daily strife. Thank you, Dad, for being the best example of a life so fully and joyfully lived and shared with others.

Don/Henry/Hank was a man of many names who wore many hats. He was an explorer, prospector, cattleman, farmer, traveler, and horse trader. He had an uncanny ear for a good deal or a prospect. His family called him Henry; his wife and friends from college nicknamed him Hank, and his friends and business associates later in life knew him as Don. His grandkids and great grandkids called him Papaw, Grandpa, and Abuelito Don. He cherished Faith & Family above all else and dedicated his life to them by laying the groundwork for prosperous businesses and ranch properties to pass on to his family.

Don is preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Nancy, as well as his brothers Phil Jr., Charles, and Bob. He is survived by his children Don Jr. and wife Leah, Charles William (Bill) and wife Cindy, James Patrick (Pat), Kyle and wife Julie, and daughter Nancy Ruth (Ruthie). He adored and doted on twelve grandchildren: Dion Michael, Dusty, Joshua, Lisé, Windy, Israel, Levi, Sarah Casey, Jessica (Jessie), Lucas, Maggie and Danny. He had 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. His legacy will live on in these generations as they continue with his good works.

Funeral arrangements are proceeding. Please contact a family member for details on the services.