Joseph Shields Ford

Joseph Shields Ford, 88, of Henley, passed away Saturday, January 16, 2016, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital. He was born November 18, 1927, in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, the son of the late Joseph Sterling and Lydia Lena (Oerly) Ford. Joe served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was married on January 14, 1945, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Betty Jean Scott, who preceded him in death on March 3, 2012. Joe worked for the United State Postal Service, retiring as Postmaster of the Eugene Post Office after more than 36 years of service. He was a member of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for over 57 years. Survivors include four children: Russell (Barbara) Ford, Troy, MO; Curtiss (Dolly) Ford, Gainesville, GA; David (Janene) Ford, Henley, MO; and Bettie Jo (Jim) Hill, Jefferson City; nine grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two sisters, and seven brothers. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. James Hill, Jr., officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation is from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorials are suggested to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 7804 Heritage Highway, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.