Kenneth Lecil Ford Jr, MD was born to Kenneth L. Ford Sr. and Clarabel Ford on July 6, 1933 in Moody, Tx. He was an only child and spent his childhood in Moody, Big Lake and Irving, Tx. After a brief year as a freshman at Abilene Christian College, Ken joined the Marines and served as a fighter pilot for his four-year term of service. During his last days at ACC, Ken met the love of his life, Mary Ruth, at the Texas State Fair, and they were married shortly thereafter. After the service, Ken finished his college degree at North Texas State and then received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, where he graduated top of his class and earned the prestigious Ho Din award. After training in pathology, Ken and Mary moved to Denton and he spent a 57-year career practicing medicine in the community of Denton, Tx. He continued his love of flying in his civilian life as well, often flying across the state to provide medical care to remote locations. Ken also enjoyed being in practice with his two daughters, Lesa and Melanie, who followed his footsteps in the practice of pathology. Always maintaining a sharp mind and keen wit, Ken retired as a practicing physician when he was 89 years old and was one of the oldest practicing physicians in the United States. Many, many lives have been touched by Ken's practice of medicine and his commitment to excellence in his professional life, and as a leader in the medical community of Denton.

Ken was a committed Christian, faithful husband to Mary Ruth Ford for 68 years, wonderful father to his children and grandchildren, and a benefactor and counselor to more than can be counted. K.L. Ford is survived by his wife, Mary Ruth, daughters Lesa Ford Moore and Melanie Kahn and husband Bill, son Ken Ford III and wife Holly, grandson Ken Ford IV, his wife Sarah and great grandson Ken Ford V, and grandson Matthew Ford.

In the words of his grandson, "Paa Paa was the ultimate patriarch for the family. He served as an example of how a man treats his family, his wife, his career, and his faith. He had checked just about every box this life has to offer and then some. Carrying his name is a constant reminder to me of these things, and I know it will be to little Ken as well. He is woven into the very fabric of this family he was truly the ultimate 'leader of the band'."

A come and go visitation for all friends and family will be held in the fellowship hall of Singing Oaks Church of Christ in Denton, Texas from 2:00 - 4:00 on Saturday, December 2, 2023. You may enter using the door closest to the school busses.