Earl L. "Buster" Ford, Jr age 88 of Carman, Illinois, passed away Friday July 7, 2017 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst. He was born September 16, 1928 in Burlington, Iowa, the son of Earl L. and Dorothy Stevenson Ford . On July 29, 1951, he married the love of his life, Norma Jane Phillips in Burlington, Iowa. She preceded him in death on September 11, 2008.

Buster served in the Construction Corps of the United States Army during the Korean War. After his military service, he and Norma settled in rural Carman, where he began a lifelong farming career. He enjoyed Nascar Racing and other motorsports such as tractor pulling and local stock car races. He and his wife also enjoyed spending time with their families and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a 50 year member of the Stronghurst American Legion.

Survivors include two sons, Michael Ford of Stronghurst, Mark (Olive) Ford of Carman, two daughters, Valerie (Gary) Colburn of Springdale, Arkansas, Stephanie (James) Covert of Biggsville, IL, seven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, one sister, Nancy Pfieff of West Burlington, IA, one brother, Marvin Ford of McHenry, IL, a daughter in law, Sandy Ford of Carman, IL, one aunt, Phyllis Saben, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, three brothers, Robert, Paul and Rodney Ford, and one sister, Mary Ann Wilson.

The funeral for Mr. Ford will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday July 11, 2017 at Banks & Beals Funeral in Stronghurst. Burial with military rites will be in the Carman Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 1:00 p.m. Monday, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Memorials have been established for the Dr. Pogue Memorial Spray Park in Stronghurst and the Henderson County Health Department. To sign the guest book or leave a condolence, please visit banksandbeals.com.