[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 140 (Monday, November 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF DONALD R. FORD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2014

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the 
life of Donald R. Ford Sr., 83, who passed away on November 1st, 2014.
   Donald was very active in community and youth programs throughout 
his lifetime. He earned his B.A. in 1953 from Bethany College, Cum 
Laude with Honors. While a student at Bethany College, he served as 
President of the Student Body and was elected Commander of his chapter 
of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Donald continued his education at the 
University of Michigan Law School where he received his J.D. degree in 
1956. While attending the University of Michigan Law School, he was a 
quarter finalist in the Campbell Moot Court competition and was a 
member of the Phi Alpha Delta Legal fraternity.
   After completing his education, Donald continued to use his natural 
and proven leadership skills in the Warren community. For over fifteen 
years, Donald practiced law in Warren before assuming the position of 
Judge of the Warren Municipal Court in 1972. He was the first attorney 
and Judge from Trumbull County to serve on all four levels of the Ohio 
Judicial System, and also was Trumbull County's longest serving jurist 
for over 35 years. Apart from his service to the city of Warren, Donald 
was an assistant Professor at the Trumbull Branch of Kent State 
University, where he taught courses in criminal law and criminal 
evidence for over twenty-eight years. For his outstanding service and 
leadership, Donald received many distinguished awards including 
Trumbull County Democratic Man of the Year, Distinguished Citizen Award 
from the Warren Urban League, and Ohio Elks Hall of Fame Award.
   Donald is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years Janet L. Ford; 
his son, John A. Ford; his daughter Leslie J. Ford; daughter Ann Ford 
and daughter-in-law Sharon Ford. He leaves seven grandchildren, Rory 
Ford, Devin Ford, Jaclyn Ford, Bryan Ford, David Ford, Zoe Crane and 
Cole Shepherd. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Donald 
R. Ford Jr. I am deeply saddened and I extend my condolences to his 
entire family. Trumbull County, the City of Warren, and the State of 
Ohio are much better places because of Donald's leadership and selfless 
contributions. He and his service will never be forgotten.

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