Herbert Eugene Ford

Herbert Eugene Ford was born to Lester and Elizabeth (Whitaker) Ford on October 25, 1946, in Kilgore, Texas. One of three boys, he was known simply as “Gene” from an early age—a name that stuck as easily as his lifelong love for tinkering. He could always be found taking things apart and putting them back together, a curiosity and skill that would define much of his life. After high school, Gene joined the United States Air Force, beginning a proud chapter of service to his country.

He met his best friend and partner, Sheryle “Sam” Miller, in Honolulu, Hawaii while he was stationed there. The young couple married on November 1, 1969, and eventually landed at Altus Air Force Base with two children in tow, Kimberly and Jeffrey, making their home in SW Oklahoma.

A patriot at heart, Gene faithfully served for over 26 years, carrying his service with quiet strength and deep respect. The discipline and dedication he gave to his country were reflected in the way he lived—steady, loyal, and always showing up for the people who mattered most. The most fun chapter of his career came as Crew Chief for the top alcohol dragster, Second Wind Racing—where the roar of the engine, the smell of burning rubber, and the thrill of the strip became part of who he was. Never one to sit idle, he continued his work at Altus Air Force Base in civil service following his military retirement.

Gene was the kind of man who never met an engine he didn’t understand—or at least wasn’t determined to. A true gearhead at heart, he found joy in anything with a motor and a little horsepower behind it. From the roar of a drag strip to the polished shine of a ‘69 hot rod or the unmistakable presence of a Corvette, he felt most at home with grease on his hands and the hum of an engine in his ears.

Above all, Gene was a family man. Depending on the generation he was lovingly known as “Pops”, “Papa”, and “Baba” to his grandchildren. His greatest pride was the life he built with those he loved. Whether under the hood in the garage or gathered around the table, his greatest pride was the life he built with those he loved. He had a special way of showing up—picking up his children, and later his grandchildren, in the Corvette for birthdays or a simple donut run, turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. He shared his passions freely, passing down stories, skills, and a love for all things fast and classic to anyone willing to listen.

He was rarely without a Dr Pepper in hand, and a stash of lemon drops nearby. In full retirement, Gene could often be found at Firestone, swapping stories, wiping down cars, and finding any reason to be in the garage—the place he loved most.

Gene passed from this life on the afternoon of Friday, April 10, 2026, at the age of 79—crossing that final finish line much like he lived: steady and fearless to the very end. And while the race here is complete, you can almost hear the echo of engines as he pulls into a different kind of winner’s circle, where the track stretches on without end.

He will be remembered for his strong hands, his generous heart, and the unmistakable sound of a life lived full throttle through his beloved wife of 56 years, Sam; children, Kimberly Ford (Tommy) and Jeffrey Ford (Stacey); grandchildren, Patrick Rice (K.C.), Byron Ford (Emily), Savanna Lucas (Dustin), Abby Vier (Cole), Sarah Ford (Mason), Kortni Morris (Kaden); great-grandchildren, Rhyder, Raelynn, and Nova; brother, Lon Ford (Brenda); and a host of hot rod and drag racing friends.

The family welcomes you to One Last Show honoring Gene-the Ford guy that always had Chevrolets-from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Kincannon Funeral Home. Come as you are, bring your favorite classic or hot rod, and be ready to swap some stories and tricks of the trade.

Online memorial tributes and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com. The family humbly requests memorials in Gene’s name be made to JCMH Hospice | 1204 E. Tamarack Road | Altus, OK 73521.