Mr. Lidell Ford Jr.

***A FUNERAL SERVICE IN LOVING MEMORY FOR MR. LIDELL FORD JR. WILL BE HELD THURSDAY, EVENING, NOVEMBER 16, 2023, AT OUR FUNERAL HOME. ****PLEASE NOTE: INTERMENT AT FT. CUSTER NATIONAL CEMETERY WILL BE HELD 11:00 A.M. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. ****NOTE: PLEASE SEE FUNERAL SERVICE TIMES LISTED BELOW**** ****PLEASE NOTE MASKS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. WE WILL PROVIDE HAND SANITIZER WHEN ENTERING OUR BUILDING. If you have any questions, please contact us at: (269) 342-1000 _________________________________ ****NOTE: The DVD Memorial Tribute will be available soon _________________________________ OBITUARY Mr. Lidell Ford Jr. of Kalamazoo, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 74 of natural causes. Lidell was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 17th, 1949, to the late Lidell Ford Sr. and Mary “Lucille” Ford-Hughes. Lidell, affectionately known as “June Bug'', was one of twelve children: Juanita Bridges, Reginia Ayiloge, Lionell (Altra) Ford, Glenn (Donna) Ford, Eilene Neall, Henry Ford, Huston Ford, Wayne Ford, and Albert Ford were his siblings with whom he shared an individual love and bond with. On April 25,1967, Lidell enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he dedicated over three years of his life to the United States Navy, deployed to Vietnam. He served with honor distinction, and an unyielding spirit overseas, which earned him several awards and accommodations on his return home. He ultimately received an honorable discharge upon his separation with the military. Unfortunately, while serving his country in Vietnam, he was exposed to what is known as Agent Orange. Upon his return from the military, 12/4/1970, Lidell trained vigorously as an amateur boxer at the Kalamazoo YMCA Boxing Club with his brothers Lionell and Glenn Ford, under the direction of legendary coach Eddie Bridges. He had two amateur fights and was highlighted in a boxing exhibition in Comstock, Michigan in 1971. In his adulthood Lidell held a lengthy career with the United States Postal Service, where the people on his route were more acquainted with him than the mail he carried. He found great pride in his work and proceeded to carry many of those stories with him for the rest of his life. Lidell was a complicated man who faced many challenges throughout his life. One of his most notable challenges is that of a seemingly all-consuming addiction. He would struggle with his sobriety for many years before committing himself to a rehab program known as the Men’s Life Recovery Program, at the Haven of Rest. Through the year-long program, Lidell made countless lifelong friends and achieved his greatest goal, graduating sober. Lidell honored us all with his boisterous laugh, infectious smile and amazing gift of gab. His presence was undeniable, for no matter the occasion he would always be recognized. Lidell and his family alike are very proud of his recovery and dedication to his sobriety. His company, stories, and soulful charm will be greatly missed. Lidell is preceded in death by his loving parents, Lidell Ford Sr., Mary “Lucille” Ford-Hughes and step-father, Jerry Hughes; sisters, Helen Yvonne Ford and Helen Tushan Ford; two special nieces, Dacia Bridges and Namyuki Tyson. Lidell leaves behind six children, Isa (Felicia) Ford, Erin (Stephen) Bush, Lidell Ford III, Christine Ford, Katie Gresham (Ford), and Samantha Becker. Lidell is remembered by his children for his love of spirited conversations, movies and good food. In addition to his children; he leaves behind 14 grandchildren, Jordan Buell, Yasmine (Austin) Powers, Cullin Peot, Anton Ford, Jenna Smith, Jalen Ford, Mariah Gresham, Price Ford, Alexia Ford, Kholie Ford, Scott Ford, Isabella Ford, Dominus Ford, and Simaya Ford. In addition to his siblings, Lidell leaves behind many special nieces and nephews and many other valued family members.

Mr. Lidell Ford Jr.

July 17, 1949 - November 7, 2023