Mike Ford

Michael Eugene “Mike” Ford, 74, of Danville, passed away Saturday morning, August 29, 2026.  Mike was born February 8, 1952 in Noblesville, Indiana. He married the love of his life, Sharon, and together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. Mike and Sharon were high school sweethearts, and their story began when Sharon was in driver’s education and needed a ride home one day. Mike gave her that ride, and, as they say, the rest is history. Their relationship grew into a lifetime of love, family, memories, and devotion.

Mike spent 42 years at Allison Transmission where he held various positions throughout his long career. Highly intelligent, dependable, and capable he earned the trust and respect of those around him and was relied upon to handle many important operations. Mike was always willing to lend a hand whether at work or at home. His daughter, Jenny, affectionately described her dad as “MacGyver” because there seemed to be nothing he couldn’t repair or figure out. His familiar advice when tackling a problem was, “Always take it back to square one.”

Family was at the heart of Mike’s life. He coached his daughter, Jenny, in basketball. He also coached baseball with baseball holding a particularly special place in his heart. He loved children and treasured his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. To his grandchildren, he was lovingly known as Papaw.

Mike shared an especially close bond with his grandson Cole, who was his buddy and fishing companion. They enjoyed fishing together at Raccoon Lake and Cataract Falls and spending time outdoors. Mike loved being surrounded by nature whether he was fishing, hunting, hiking, taking a walk, or photographing the beauty he found along the way. The woods and the water were places where he felt at home.

He was also a great storyteller, although his stories occasionally grew a little more colorful with each telling. Cole learned to follow Papaw's stories with a question for Memaw: “Did that really happen?” Those stories, embellished or not, became part of the laughter and memories that made time with Mike so special.

Mike had a lifelong need for speed. He drag raced while in high school, and for his 50th birthday he had the unforgettable opportunity to drive around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He was also a devoted sports fan who enjoyed cheering for the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, and Indiana University.

Music was another part of Mike’s personality. He played the drums in high school and never completely put the drumsticks away—even when there weren’t any around. While driving, the steering wheel could quickly become his drum set, especially when “Wipe Out” was playing.

Mike will be remembered as an intelligent and resourceful man, a gifted storyteller, a nature lover, a sports fan, and someone who could seemingly fix just about anything. Most of all, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and Papaw, caring brother and uncle, and a man who deeply loved his family.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Dorothy Ford, younger brother, Brett Ford, and his nephew, Nathan Hunt.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sharon Ford; his daughter, Jenny Owens and her husband, Eddie; his grandchildren, Cole Curtis, Dakota Curtis, and Nevada Owens; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jo Kosmicki Arnett and Monte Kosmicki; and his sister, Diana Ford Jones, and her husband, Greg; along with his extended family and many others whose lives were touched by his kindness, stories, humor, and willingness to help.

Mike leaves behind a lifetime of stories and memories that his family will carry with them always

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Helton & Harris Funeral Home in Danville. At 6:00 PM, there will be an open time of sharing stories and memories. Guests are invited to come with a favorite story or memory to share.