HERBERT MICHAEL "MIKE" FORD was born on March 17, 1950 to Ivory Penton and Lewis C. Ford. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Gregory and Kenneth, and one sister, Deborah.
Mike accepted Christ at an early age and had recently re-dedicated his life to Christ and became a member of Prince of Peace Church family. Mike received his formal education in the St. Louis City Public Schools. Upon completion, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served as a Private First Class from 1968 - 1974 including two years in the reserves. He was a proud recipient of the National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Mike was employed with the St. Louis Sherriff s Office as a Deputy Sheriff for 18 years and later joined the St. Louis City Marshall's Office until his health began to decline.
Mike was known to many as "Big Mike" or "Crazy Mike." There was always laughter in the room when he was present. He loved to crack jokes and was just full of life. He loved trying to sing but was a great dancer.
He was a ball of joy just to be around. He was a sharp dresser and loved to smell good with the best of colognes.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Landa L. Ford; three sons, Gerald (Alfreda) Herbert, Jr. (Shantel) and Fred Henderson (Alma) all of St. Louis, MO: four daughters, Tanya Thompson (Eric) of Tampa, FL; Kyona Hamilton, Crystal Henderson and Candace Henderson all of St. Louis, MO; one Brother, Clifton Penton; twenty-three grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren, four sisters-in-law; seven brothers-in-law, special cousin, Leroy Hicks (Anita) of Chicago, Illinois; his special poker buddies, Danny, Dre, Blue, Ray and Fred, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Mike will be truly missed by all his loved ones and friends, as Mike would always say, "Sempi Fi. "
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