John Ford

John Ford was a man of strong commitment and determination. He learned many of life's most difficult lessons through hardship, sacrifice, and heartache. John lived through the earth-shattering events of the twentieth century, witnessing the challenges of the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. Proud of his Irish heritage, he loved to hear about Ireland and visit the University of Notre Dame. John was personable and well liked, knowing how to make others feel at ease with his kindness and wit.

Born in Indianapolis on December 12, 1913, John was one of two sons born to Michael J. and Gertrude (Kelly) Ford. His father worked as a stockyard broker, a job that provided the family with many delicious meat and potatoes meals. They had beef so frequently that after having a family of his own, John’s children actually got tired of steak. He attended Cathedral Grade School and later Cathedral High School. He and his brother Joe kept the house hopping with their activities, playing, arguing, and supporting one another as they grew. John and his family experienced tremendous burdens with the sudden loss of his brother, Joe, at the age of 19; and then his mother six months later. This all happening during his junior year of high school.

As a young man, John exercised his talent and dedication through a variety of activities. He joined the Boy Scouts of America and earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment achieved by less than five percent of all scouts. While attending Cathedral High School, he captained his football team at quarterback for two undefeated seasons. His senior year squad was named state champions, and he was recognized as a two-time All-State player. He also led the Cathedral basketball team to the Catholic State Championship, and a third place finish in the National Catholic Basketball Tournament. In basketball, he was selected as both an All-State and an All-American player.

John then left for South Bend to attend the University of Notre Dame. Knute Rockne recruited him to play football for the Irish, but when the coach died, no record of John's scholarship could be found. As John was leaving the athletic office he ran into the basketball coach who asked him what was going on. The coach said there was room on his team, so John played basketball instead. He lettered for three years and captained his senior team to the Helms Foundation National Basketball Championship recognition. He also coached the freshman basketball team for a year. John was recognized for his basketball achievements with his induction to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983.

While in high school, John met a young lady named Louise Keene. Louise was impressed with John's character and personality. She later went on to attend business school, but she did not forget about John. She pursued him with consistent letter writing while he was at Notre Dame. Her persistence paid off. The couple was married in a small ceremony in June of 1941 at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at SS. Peter & Paul Cathedral.

John graduated from Notre Dame in 1937. At the time, Europe was in turmoil and with the globe teetering on the brink of world war, John like most of his peers was drafted in the United States Army. During World War II, John attended Officers Candidate School and was stationed all over the U.S. He rose to the rank of Captain in the Medical Corps of the Army and earned an associate degree from Duke University while enlisted. Like so many who have sacrificed for their country, John missed many important family events and was unable to be home for the births of his first two children. He was discharged from the service while he was stationed in Colorado. John later graduated from Butler University in 1953.

John was a registered pharmacist and worked for many years with Keene Drug in downtown Indianapolis. He later worked for Hook's Drug Company and retired in 1978.

John had varied interests and voluntary activities. In spite of his many meals of beef as a youngster, John's favorite food to eat at home was prime rib. Known by his family for his less-than-perfect singing voice, he enjoyed the silky tones of Perry Como. As a young man, he served Mass for several former bishops of Indianapolis. John believed that community involvement was important. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus - Council #437, the Notre Dame Monogram Club, and was a former member of the Cathedral Trustees Board of Directors. He was particularly appreciative of the Boy Scouts of America.

The most important thing to John, however, was his family. He cherished every moment with them, treasuring the holidays and attending as many sporting events as he could. He played favorites with his grandchildren - he made it a point to make every single one of them his favorite.

John is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Louise; his children, John M. (Carol) Ford of Indianapolis, Joanne (Fran) Brezette, also of Indianapolis, Mary (Quentin) Queisser of Ft. Myers, Florida, Jane (Russ) Bachert of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Joseph B. (Cathy) Ford of Indianapolis, and Michael T. (Elaine) Ford, also of Indianapolis; fifteen grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

John passed away on Saturday, August 14, 2004. His parents, his stepmother Helen, his dear brother Joe, and a granddaughter, Kelly Ford Bachert, preceded him in death. John was ninety years old.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, August 17, from 4 - 8 PM in the Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 18, at 10:30 AM in SS. Peter & Paul Cathedral. Burial will be at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Cemetery in Indianapolis. To read John's complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to Cathedral High School or to Christ the King Catholic Church, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

John's humility, gentleness, and commitment leave his loved ones with a legacy that will continue to influence them for generations to come.