William "Bill" David Ford

William “Bill” David Ford was born in Washington, Indiana, to Charles Clinton Ford and Annie Beatrice (Davis) Ford. His father passed away when Bill was 13 years old, and he was lovingly raised by his mother, a dedicated schoolteacher who instilled in him the values of hard work, curiosity, and selfreliance. Growing up in her care shaped the steadiness and quiet strength that would define him throughout his life.

From a young age, he developed a deep interest in aviation, a passion that shaped the course of his life. He began his aviation career while serving in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1963. After completing his service, he worked for Eastern Airlines and for the wellknown barnstormer Roscoe Turner, experiences that further strengthened his love for aircraft and aviation maintenance.

On October 31, 1964, he married Janet Virginia Nelson, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in devotion to family and faith that endured for more than 62 years.

He attended the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he earned his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate. He then joined Trans World Airlines (TWA), where he worked for more than 20 years. His career with TWA took his family to Indianapolis; Arlington Heights, Illinois; Brownsburg, Indiana; and finally Kansas City, Missouri. Throughout these moves, he remained dedicated to both his profession and his family, providing stability and support through each transition.

In 1986, he returned to Indiana, moving to Floyds Knobs to assist UPS in establishing its aviation maintenance program in Louisville, Kentucky. He retired from UPS in February 2001 after a long and respected career in the field he loved.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; his son, Stephen (Denise) Ford; and his daughters, Sandra (Steve) Driggs and Susan (Mark) McKay. He is also survived by his grandchildren: JD (Ellie) McKay and his wife, Ellie; David Driggs; Ann Driggs; Shannon McKay; and Samantha Ford.

He was a member of Southeast Christian Church and attended the Indiana campus. He will be remembered for his steady kindness, his generosity, and his dedication to his work. Most of all, he will be remembered for his devotion to the Lord and his unwavering love for his family.

Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Newcomer Funeral Home, (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana 47150) with funeral to follow at 2:00 PM.

The family requests contributions in Bill’s memory be made to Southeast Christian Church for Youth Camps.