GLADSTONE - A true and gentle man passed from us. Dwayne "Hank"/"Second Hand" Ford will be remembered as a sweet husband, a loving father and a good friend.
Dwayne R. Ford, 77, passed away Thursday morning, Feb. 7, 2013, at his home in Gladstone.
Hank was born July 9, 1935, in Escanaba, the son of Byron and Olive (Groos) Ford and was a graduate of Holy Name School. Hank made a career in the United State Air Force, where he proudly served his country for 28 years, including a tour in Vietnam.
Article Photos
Dwayne ‘Hank’/‘Second Hand’ Ford
Hank had a favorite poem I'd like to share with you:
The Final Inspection
The soldier stood and faced God
Which always must come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as brightly as his brass.
Step forward now you soldier
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek
To my church, have you been true?
The soldier squared his shoulders
and said, "No Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry guns
can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays
And at times, my talk was tough
And sometimes I've been violent
Because the world is awfully rough.
But I never took a penny
that wasn't mine to keep.
Tho' I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep
And I never passed a cry for help
Tho' sometimes shook with fear
And sometimes, God forgive me
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm the fears.
So, if you've a place for me here, Lord
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly
For the judgment of his God.
Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on heavens streets
You've done your time in hell
Anonymous
He is survived by his loving family which includes his loving wife, Sonja; daughters, Cheryl Bernard, Lisa Ford, Lisa Hainstock; sons, Eric Ford, Steve Rogers and Joe Rogers; 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Dwayne R. "Hank" Ford will be held at the convenience of the Ford family.
The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Ford family with arrangements. Messages of condolence to the Ford family may be offered online at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.
