Dwain Eugene Ford

Dwain Eugene Ford, 92, of Tipton, IA, was ushered into heaven on Monday, December 26, 2022. Dwain was born in Tipton, IA on January 17, 1930 to Mary & Norman Ford Sr. He was welcomed to the world with -20° weather and left the world on a day with record cold temperatures. He grew up on several different farms around Tipton along with his younger siblings, his sister Grace Ford and brother Norman Ford Jr (Bud). Dwain started school in a one room school house and was allowed to skip the 1st grade as he would have been the only one in that class. He would often say that if he didn’t know something, it must have been taught in the 1st grade. Dwain developed a love for farming and livestock at an early age which followed him throughout his life. He graduated from Tipton High School in 1947 and developed a passion for FFA and industrial arts during his time there. He continued to be active in organizing activities for the class of “47” until his death. After graduation, he entered the Army and was stationed as a supply clerk in Augsburg, Germany during the Korean War. Upon returning to Tipton, he met a young school teacher named Evelyn Peterson. After a courtship of many Tipton movies, drives to Iowa City and dances in Cedar Rapids, they were married on July 8, 1956. Dwain and Ev had 5 children, the oldest, Devin, passed away in 1961 just shortly before his third birthday. Dwain and Ev raised their family south of Tipton where they farmed and became involved in numerous community activities and extracurriculars. Dwain served as the Chairman of the Board for South Bethel United Methodist Church and was a committee leader and member of the Rochester UMC upon his death. He was an active member of the American Legion in Bennett, IA and was elected as a County Trustee where he continued to serve. Dwain was a member of the Tipton Lions Club and served as a 4-H leader for nearly 20 years as well as the Sr. Park Board for many years. He also volunteered as a poll worker during elections. Dwain loved sports and was an avid fan of the Tipton Tigers, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Chicago Cubs. He also loved bowling and had the distinction as being the longest consecutive bowler at the Cedar Lanes bowling alley in Tipton where he bowled in leagues for more than 60 years. He also loved to build things from wood and always had numerous projects in the works. Dwain and Ev loved to play cards and enjoyed playing in several card clubs with friends. In the early eighties, Dwain purchased an insurance business and sold farm, home, crop, and vehicle coverage for the White Pigeon and Grinnell Mutual Agencies. He sold the business to Community Insurance Services where it continues to be operated today.

Dwain is preceeded in death by his parents, his younger brother, Bud, and his oldest son, Devin. He is succeeded by his wife Evelyn, sister Grace, sons Dennis Ford (Lauri), Dean Ford (Diane), and daughters Danalea Warrick (Tom), Denise Tapscott (Matt), 12 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.

Fry Funeral Home in Tipton, IA will host Dwain’s visitation and funeral service. The visitation will be on Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 4 - 7pm. The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022 at 10:30am. Following the funeral service, Dwain will be laid to rest with Military Honors at the Tipton Masonic Cemetery. After the graveside service, family and friends are invited to a luncheon at the First United Church of Christ in Tipton. Cards and memorials may be mailed to 205 Parkview Dr., Tipton, IA 52772. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.