Jon David Ford, 67, of Abilene, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2015. Full military services will be held on Monday, August 17, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene, Texas. Jon was born on November 21, 1947 to Ray and Grace Ford in Odessa, Texas. He attended Merkel High School, and graduated in Wewoka, Oklahoma. Jon honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a Combat Medic in the "All American" 82ndAirborne Division from February 1966 through September 1970. As the largest paratrooper force in the free world, the 82nd Airborne Division is trained to deploy anywhere, at any time, to fight upon arrival and to win. He proudly served what is known as the "America's Guard of Honor," the 82nd is widely recognized as one of the most powerful forces in America's military arsenal. He continued his service in numerous veterans groups after returning home until his death. The absolute joy of his life for the last several years was his service dog, "Sarge". He was beside him in life, and at his death. Jon took "Sarge" to visit veterans everywhere, especially to the Big Springs VA Hospital to spread some joy! Jon would want us to mention that in his childhood, and difficult times following Vietnam, he received great help, support and love from his grandmother, Lucy Ford, two aunts and uncles, Alvin and Mattie Lou Wozencraft and R.T. and Grovene Blair. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Grace Ford; sister, Marie Joyce; grandmother, Lucy Ford; aunt and uncles, Alvin and Mattie Lou Wozencraft, R.T. Blair, and cousin, Felix Stinson. Jon is survived by his brother, Jim Ford and wife Phyllis; nephews, Johnny Ford and wife Cynthia, Jimmy Ford and wife Denise; niece, Sherry Joyce Boyer; aunt, Grovene Blair; cousins, Tim Wozencraft and wife Lynell, Terry Wozencraft Armstrong and husband Don, Kelly Blair Scott and husband Jim, and Brenda Blair Stinson and their families. "In the Best Garden of All" Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Abilene, Texas Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com