Paul E. Ford, age 80 of Monroe, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2024 surrounded by his family at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital.
Paul was born on January 5, 1944 in Monroe to the late Roy and Laura (Rowlett) Ford. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1961 and honorably served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from Feb. 8, 1962 until Mar. 14, 1964. During that time, he served aboard the USS Enterprise and USS Constellation Aircraft Carriers in the Mediterranean during the Cuban Blockade.
After being discharged, Paul met and married Diane L. Navarre and were married for 59 years. Together they raised a son, Paul E. Ford, II. When "Paulie" joined Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, Paul joined too, becoming Assistant Scout Leader. Likewise, Paul coached Tee Ball and Little League Baseball as well.
Paul was employed by Ford Motor Company at the Monroe Stamping Plant for 40 years, retiring in 2004. He was an active member of Monroe VFW Post 1138 and devoted member of its Funeral Ritual team.
Paul enjoyed many hobbies and interests. As a bowler, he served as secretary of numerous bowling leagues, including the Hans Harris and Friendly Ford leagues. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and loved to golf. Paul had a passion for classic cars. He drove his 1954 Ford Victoria, known as "The Betty Boop" in several parades and winning many trophies at numerous car shows. He was a founding member and longtime secretary of the Monroe Area Street Rods with his friend, Butch Beauman. Above all, Paul's greatest joy came from his two beautiful granddaughters and his great-grandson.
Paul is survived by his wife Diane; son, Paul and his wife Lora Ann; granddaughters, Megan Elizabeth (Christopher Allen) Ford and Chelsea Lynne (Benjamin) Garling; great-grandson, Luca Daniel Allen; his best buddy Oreo, his Havenese pet dog; two brothers, Ronald (Paula) Ford and Donald (Jean) Ford; sister-in-law, Wanda Ford; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by two sisters, Norma Jean LaPointe and Carolyn Sue Fletcher, and a brother, William Ford.
All are invited to celebrate Paul's life from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21st at the VFW Post. At 2 p.m., his comrades at the post will pay tribute to Paul, performing military honors and sharing of memories.
Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Monroe County or a charity of the donor's choice.
Bacarella Funeral Home assisted the family with funeral and cremation arrangements.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .