William J. "Willie" Ford, age 83 of Elwood, died Saturday, December 29, 2012 at Community Parkview Care Center in Elwood following a brief illness. He was born February 6, 1929 in Tipton County, the son of Merrill and Bernice (Pickering) Ford. He retired as the custodian at the East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood after working for more than 10 years at the church. He also formerly worked with his brother at the Phillips 66 Station in Elwood for several years. Willie married Betty J. Pugh on May 13, 1962. He was formerly a volunteer at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood, and was active in the morning coffee group at McDonalds Restaurant in Elwood.

Willie's family includes a sister-in-law, Joan Ford of Elwood; 2 nieces, Rebecca Ford of Marion and Deena Smith of Elwood; 3 great nieces, Michelle Smith of Muncie, Melanie (husband D.J.) Sanders of Muncie, and Marlena (husband James) Vest of Elwood; 3 great-great nieces; and a great-great nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 43 years, Betty J. (Pugh) Ford; brother, Albert Ford; and baby brother, Ernest Ford.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 3, 2012 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of the East Main Street Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the East Main Street Christian Church Building Fund through the funeral home. Willie's family would like to thank both the staff of St. Vincent Mercy Hospital and Community Parkview Care Center for the outstanding care they provided to Willie. The family is also very appreciative of Willie's neighbors who helped him during his illness. Online condolences may be made at www.copherfeslermay.com.