Duane Ford

Duane Harold Ford's story began on March 14, 1951, when he was born to Rachael and Willis Ford.

He was the middle child of 3 brothers, and often recounted the fun they had, and trouble they got into growing up.

Duane loved cars, the outdoors, dogs, and being a master craftsman. As a child, he built a soapbox derby car with his Uncle Ralph Rhodes, which he raced. As a teenager, he loved muscle cars and spent time doing body work. He had a life long love of cars.

As an adult, Duane worked as an iron worker, a boiler maker, a master finish carpenter, and a home builder. He owned his own business, Ford's Castle Construction. After retiring, he continued working on various projects around his home or for friends. He never stopped creating, and always had a list of projects on his mind to complete.

There is no doubt that Duane loved dogs. Wherever he went, all his life, there was always a dog by his side. He loved taking them in the woods, getting them treats, and just having them as company. We are sure that his dogs who have passed before him are surrounding him in heaven now.

Duane's greatest legacy was that he was a wonderful family man. He met the love of his life and soul mate, Susan (Therasse) Ford when he was 16. They were inseparable, and were married 4 years later. His love and devotion to his wife was insurmountable. They had 4 children; Eric Haynes, Jenna (Ford) Herbstritt, Samuel Ford, and Nolan Ford, all of whom adored him. He loved his children and was a wonderful father. He worked very hard to give them a wonderful life and taught them so much. There could be no replacement for him in his family's lives.

Duane was loved by all who knew him. He was always there to lend a helping hand, or to listen compassionately to anyone who needed it. He loved to joke and was always funny. He gave wonderful hugs.

Duane had a short, but very brave battle with cancer in his final days. He succumbed very peacefully on May 5, 2017, surrounded by his family and his devoted best friend, Paul Kaiser.

Duane's loss is tragic for those of us who are left behind, as we are going to miss him so very much. Those who were left behind to miss him are his loving wife, Susan Ford, his children, Amanda Haynes Vickey, wife to his late son Eric, Jenna Herbstritt and husband Manuel Yanes, Samuel Ford, and Nolan Ford; a granddaughter, Alexis Herbstritt; his brothers, Douglas Ford and wife Carol, and Dennis Ford and wife Karen; his mother and father in law, Charlotte and David Therasse, his two sisters in law, Nicole McCool and husband David, and Michelle Thayer; his best friend, Paul Kaiser, and many other nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones who love him so much.

Duane accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a young man, and our comfort is in knowing that he is in heaven now. No longer will he suffer or feel pain. We know that he is surrounded by those who have preceded him in death, including his parents, Rachael and Willis Ford, his son, Eric Haynes, and his three miscarried children.

Duane was a wonderful man, husband, father, and friend. There is nothing that could replace a person with a heart as big as his. Thank you, Duane, for your wonderful love and personality. Thank you, Jesus, for giving the world 66 wonderful years with Duane.

The Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Edinboro, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

A gathering of family and friends will be at Nick's Place, 12246 Edinboro Rd., Edinboro, PA on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 from 10 am until the time of a memorial service held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Duane Pinney officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Wounded Warrior Project, or to the Erie Humane Society in Duane's honor, as these were close to his heart. To send condolences please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.