Ular “YoYo” Ford, 82, of Crossett, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024. He was born in Arvin, CA on July 10, 1941, to his parents, Riley and Leona Lee Ford, was a member of the American Legion Post 51 in Bastrop, LA, and the Heart of God Ministry in Crossett.
A distinguished veteran, YoYo served his country with valor, first in the United States Army and later in the United States Navy, where his bravery shone brightly, particularly during the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War. Following his military tenure, he embarked on a career with Ashley Drew & Northern Railroad, where he dedicated over three decades to the rails, rising from a humble brakeman to a respected engineer.
In his leisure, YoYo found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it be watching old westerns, listening to the comforting words of preachers on television, or immersing himself in the timeless wisdom of the Bible, which he knew from cover to cover.
Perhaps YoYo's most enduring legacy lies in the fertile soil of his immaculate vegetable gardens, where he grew not only sustenance but also bonds of friendship and community. His green thumb was matched only by his generosity, as he enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors and strangers alike. YoYo was a kind and loving soul who loved his friends and family with his whole heart, especially his precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by one daughter, Janet Murphy; one great-grandson, Derek Anderson; one brother, Alvin Ford; one sister, Carmel Ford Beaver; and one daughter-in-law, Donna Collier.
He leaves behind his wife of thirty-three years, Wanda Roush Ford of Crossett; two sons, Tim Collier of Crossett, and Rusty Collier (Charlotte) of N. Little Rock; and one daughter, Shannon Collier Sisk (Chris) also of Crossett; along with one sister, Cindy Dotson of Sherman, TX; one brother, Modie Ford of MO; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Sunday, April 28th, at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett, with Pastor Cindy Norman officiating, followed by interment at Carlock Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Bob Vickers, Ernie Fowler, Tim Collier, Jr., Mark Guin, Bill Rawls, Jeremy Norman, Timmy Anderson, and Gol Keith Cooper. Honorary pallbearers are the Heart of God Ministry church members and former co-workers of Ashley Drew & Northern Railway.
Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 27th, at Medders Funeral Home.
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