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The Rev. John Wesley Linwood Ford, 92, an Associate Member, died Aug. 1, 2011, at the Citizen's Care and Rehabilitation Center in Frederick, where he had been a resident for 20 months. The Rev. Ronald Simmons officiated at a service at Asbury UMC Aug. 5.

Ford was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Upon discharge he entered the ministry. For two years from 1957 to 1959, he served a church in Strasberg, Va. He was then appointed to Community UMC in Northeast Washington, where he coordinated the building of the church. He served there for 18 years. In 1977, he was appointed to Asbury UMC in Frederick and remained there until his retirement in 1986.

Retirement didn't stop him and he served as interim pastor on the Buckeystown Charge and the Simpson Christian Community Church in New Market. He also served as an associate pastor at the Frederick Presbyterian Church.

In Frederick, he was active in civic organizations including the NAACP, the Frederick County Scholarship Aid Fund and Kiwanis International. He was on the boards of directors of the Frederick Rescue Mission, the YMCA, and the Commission on Aging. He maintained affiliation with the Sidney Mudd Lodge No. 748 of Upper Marlboro and the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Beverly Ford, of Walkersville; three daughters: Lynda Parker of Washington, D.C., Carol Spriggs and Anne Hammond of Hyattsville; one son, James Ford of Cleveland, Ohio; a stepson, Jonathan E. Townes of Tucson, Ariz.; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a grandson.

Condolences may be sent to his wife: Alice Beverly Ford, 8618 Discovery Blvd., Walkersville, MD 21793.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bartonsville Community Cemetery Association, c/o William B. Hill, Jr., 5954-A Bartonsville Rd., Frederick, 21704 or to the charity of one's choice.