Thomas Gardner Ford
Thomas Gardner Ford | |
|---|---|
Ford in 1971 | |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 91st district | |
| In office 1964–1972 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 15, 1918 |
| Died | August 28, 1995 (aged 77) |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Janet Ford |
| Relations | Gerald Ford (half-brother) |
| Parents | |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan |
| Occupation | Politician, businessman, football official |
Thomas Gardner Ford Sr. (July 15, 1918 – August 28, 1995) was an American politician, businessman, and football official. A Republican, he served in the Michigan House of Representatives and was an official of the Big Ten Conference. He was a younger half-brother of President Gerald Ford.
Early life
Ford was born on July 15, 1918 in Grand Rapids, Michigan,[1] to Gerald Rudolff Ford and Dorothy Ayer Gardner Ford.[2] His older half-brother was Gerald Ford.[2][3]
Ford attended the University of Michigan, graduating with a B.A. in literature in 1941.[4][3][5] While there, he wa a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon.[1] He also played football, but was on the red-shirted reserve squad.[3]
Career
Ford served for five years in the United States Navy during World War II.[4][6] After the war, he was active the United States Navy Reserve, retiring after 32 years with the rank of captain.[6]
Ford was president of the Ford Paint and Varnish Company in East Grand Rapids from 1958 to 1964.[4][5][6] He was a commissioner of East Grand Rapids City.[4] From 1958 to 1964, he served on the Kent County Board of Commissioners.[4][5] A Republican, he represented the 91st district in the Michigan House of Representatives,[3] from 1964 to 1972.[1][4]
Ford then worked as the legislative auit coordinator for the Michigan State Legislature from 1972 to 1980.[5] He was a football official for the Big Ten Conference and high schools.[6]
Personal life and death
Ford married Janet H. Parker in 1942;[4] they had two children, son Thomas G. Ford Jr. and daughter Julie G. Ford.[4][6] Ford was a member of the American Legion, the Freemasons, and the Shriners.[1] He was an Episcopalian.[1][4]
Ford retired in 1980 and moved to South Carolina.[5] He died on August 28, 1995, aged 77, from cancer, at his home in Johns Island.[5][6]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Delta Kappa Epsilon Politicians in Michigan". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
- ^ a b "Gerald R. Ford Genealogical Information | Gerald R. Ford". Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
- ^ a b c d Sandner, Al (May 6, 1965). Written at Lansing. "There Are Fords In Their Past, Present and Future-Two Geralds, Tom, Richard, James". The Herald-Palladium. Benton Harbor, Michigan. AP. p. 57. Retrieved August 20, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Legislator Details - Thomas G. Ford Sr". Michigan Legislative Biography. Library of Michigan. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f "Thomas G. Ford Papers and Books, 1880-1980". Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f "Ford, Thomas G." The Grand Rapids Press. August 30, 1995. p. 31. Retrieved March 19, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.