David E. Ford, Jr. and Anna (Tanny) Ford
David and Tanny Ford
Together in life and death for 61 years, David (Dave) E. Ford, Jr. and Anna (Tanny) Ford died in their home of natural causes before Thanksgiving. Married October 31, 1953, both David and Anna were born in Indiana and moved to Milwaukee in 1952.
Mrs. Ford was born in Franklin, Indiana, finished high school and attended Franklin Community College and the Chicago Art Institute, where she majored in dressmaking. For 50 years, she owned and operated “Tanny’s Dressmaking Shop” and was also employed as a seamstress at Talbots and Harleys. She was an avid golfer and bridge player.
Mr. Ford was born in Hammond Indiana, graduated from high school, received his Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1948 from the University of Illinois and a MBA from the University of Wisconsin. A U.S. Army veteran, he served in the Radar Division at White Sands, New Mexico. He was the first African American to be employed at Allen Bradley in 1952, where he worked and was Director of Research and Development when he retired in 1996. His experiences at Allen Bradley provided many travel experiences throughout the world. He was initiated in Kappa Alpha Psi, Beta Chapter in 1946 and was a Life Member. He was Past Polemarch and Dean of Pledges in the Milwaukee Alumni Chapter.
Both Dave and Tanny were active in church and the community. As members of St. Mark A.M.E Church, she served in the Sunday School, the pantry fellowship and other services to the community. Tanny was active locally and nationally in Girl Scouts of America and a member of Jack and Jill of America. Dave was with many community organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, member of Beta Alpha Boule, Sigma Pi Chapter and The Rotary Club of Milwaukee.
Tanny was quiet and very lady-like at all times and to know her was to love her. Dave was very knowledgeable, a public speaker and had an infectious laugh.
They are survived by a loving son and daughter, Ronald Ford, Dallas, Texas and JanElla Ford, Pasadena, California.
The family will receive friends on Friday, December 5, 2014 at 12 noon and services will be held at 1:00 p.m., both at Wisconsin Memorial Park, 13235 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of David and Tanny Ford would be greatly appreciated. Please use the website http://fordfamilyfuneral.blogspot.com