Robert Ford

Robert A. Ford, age 91, died peacefully on October 3, 2014 in Northlake, Ill. Born in Columbus, Ohio, on September 15, 1923, to Russell and Mabel Ford. Graduated in 1941 from North High School, where he was an All-City end on the school's football team. During World War II, Bob was a member of the U.S. Army's renowned 10th Mountain Division from January 1943 to February 1946, serving with distinction in Italy. After the war, Bob returned to Ohio, where he graduated from Ohio State University in 1949 with a degree in business administration. He worked at the former Ohio State T.B. Hospital, was a personnel office for the State of Ohio's Health Department, and served as an administrator at the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare in Chicago, retiring in 1984. Bob was an avid golfer, a loyal Buckeye football fan, and enjoyed a good laugh -- even at his own expense. He is survived by his wife and love his life of 68 years, Margaret Ann (Maugan); children, Constance Esler, William (Cathy), John (Kathy), Dr. Robin Cardneaux (Warren) and Mary Anne Smith (Lovie). Bob was the proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother David and granddaughter Kathryn Esler. Family will receive friends 1-2 p.m. Thursday at the TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, Oh. A graveside service will follow 2 p.m. Thursday at Sunset Cemetery .