James "Buster" Ford

          Graveside services for James “Buster” Ford, 90, of Lufkin, will be held Friday, May 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Whitehouse Cemetery in Lufkin with Rachel Brown officiating.

          Mr. Ford was born on February 28, 1935, in Mineola, Texas, to  the late Roy Prestridge Ford and Daisy (Hass) Ford, and died Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Lufkin.

          The family moved to Lufkin when Buster was in grade school. It was at Lufkin High School that he met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Duke. They were soon married and raised four daughters.

          Although he never had a son, Buster spent many years coaching his little league baseball team, the Cardinals. He loved his time as a baseball coach and cherished the time he spent with the boys.

          Buster began his career at Southland Paper Mill, where he met his best friend, Bob Rice. Later, he transitioned into the construction industry, a field he loved until retirement. But, retirement didn’t last too long, and Buster quickly became known as “The Moss Man” in Trinity, Texas. He was often found gathering moss around the neighborhood to sell to local florists.

          An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and running trotlines, always ready to share a story or two from his time on the water. In his younger years, he especially cherished playing golf with his sons-in-law. Even in his 60’s he would play 36 holes in one day, walking the whole way.

          Buster was a devoted fan of the Houston Astros, the Texas Longhorns, and the Dallas Cowboys. He also found great joy in watching local high school sports, cheering on his grandchildren as they played for the Katy Tigers and Hudson Hornets, with pride and enthusiasm.

          Buster’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and unwavering support for his family, friends, and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

          He is survived by his daughters, Teresa Kay Williams of Trinity, Texas, Debra Sue Perroni, and husband Mike of Rockport, Texas, and Kimberly Ann Moulder, and husband Kenny of Lufkin, Texas; grandchildren Deidra Lynn Mannion and husband Brian, Jessica Boynton, Christopher Williams, Rachel Brown and husband Trey, Jennifer Edwards and husband Mike, Larry Barak, Jr and wife Rachel, and Kelsey Matthews and husband Cody; great-grandchildren Jackson Andrews, Bryce Andrews, Kaylee Edwards, Michael Merton, Alexis Mannion, Laureli Shaw, Kynlee Brown, Brandon Edwards, Jamie Edwards, Charlotte Edwards, Cameron Mannion, Ayson Matthews, and Constance Barak; numerous nieces and nephews, and his best friend, and fishing buddy, Bob Rice.

          He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Daisy Ford; wife, Mary Ellen Ford; sister, Mattie Lynn Roberts; daughter, Diana Lynn Barak; sons in law, James Williams, Sr. and Larry Barak, Sr.; granddaughter, Jamie Ellen Shaw; and his favorite grand dog, Dexter.

          The family extends a special thanks to Kathy Dupree, Candy Selman, Debbie Fleming, and the Affinity Hospice group for the wonderful care you provided for our Paw Paw.

          Pallbearers will be Brian Mannion, Chris Williams, Trey Brown, Larry Barak Jr., Cody Matthews, Jackson Andrews, and Bryce Andrews.

          Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Merton, Brandon Edwards, and Cameron Mannion, Ayson Matthews.

          Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Shafer Funeral Home.

          Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.