Scott C Ford

Scott C. Ford, 71, of Norwalk, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2019, at the Cleveland Clinic. He was born September 28, 1947 in Steubenville, Ohio to the late Scott N. and Ruby M. (Dew) Ford.

Scott graduated from Toronto High School, (Toronto, Ohio), in 1965. He earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University in 1970.  Following graduation, Scott joined the Peace Corp. in 1970 and taught English in Thailand until 1974, while in Thailand, he learned the Thai language, then moved to Iowa, and recruited for the Peace Corp.   

Scott came to the Norwalk area in 1976, and taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade reading at Bronson Elementary. In 1981, he moved to Lewisville, Texas, to teach at Peter’s Colony Elementary School, for a year, and then made his way back to Norwalk in 1982, to teach at Norwalk Middle School.  Valuing his own education as much as his students, Scott attended Kent State University, then completed his education in 1985, with a master’s degree from Ashland College.  Scott was more than a teacher.  During his tenure, he directed many school plays at Bronson Elementary, Peter’s Colony Elementary, and Norwalk Middle School.  He was advisor for the Academic Challenge team and started the “Trucker Times” school newspaper.  He was an educator, mentor, and friend to many students throughout his 35 years in the Norwalk School System. Those roles did not end for Scott with his retirement in 2007, they were a way of life.

Scott was a strong supporter of the community.  He was a member of the Norwalk Board of Zoning and Appeals and a party and committee member of the Huron County Democratic Party, where he volunteered many hours working the polls during elections.  Scott’s commitment did not go without recognition.  He received many awards including; 1981 Norwalk Teacher of the Year Award, 1986 Norwalk Area Chamber of Commerce “Distinguished Citizen Award”, 1998 “John F. Elmlinger Award” and the 2006 “Huron County Child and Family Volunteer of the Year”.  In 2007, the Norwalk Reflector named Scott “Citizen of the Year”.  In that same year, May 12th was declared “Scott Ford Day”, and consequently a parade was held in his honor.  In 2016, Scott was given the honor of Parade Marshall, and rode in the Norwalk Fourth of July Parade. 

Scott will be forever remembered for his involvement with the Lefty Grove Baseball League.  His love of the game, and visible passion for serving the community, and area young people, was endearing and admirable.  He was a fixture at the VFW Fields.  His legacy of service with the League began in 1977, as he served as secretary, treasurer, umpire, and team manager, and for the last 33 years, until present, he served proudly as Commissioner of the League.  

Scott is survived by his best friend, and love of his life of 43 years, Deborah L. “Debbie” Seaman of Norwalk, Ohio; by his siblings, Raymond R. (Judy) Ford of Edmond, Oklahoma, Gary L. Ford of Hope Mills, North Carolina, and Richard K. (Faye) Ford of Weirton, West Virginia, and by several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Harry P. Ford, Donna M. Smith, Regina R. Hart, and Charles A. Ford, and by his sister-in-law, Rose Ford. 

Friends may call on Friday, September 27, 2019, at The Chapel – Norwalk Campus, 156 South Norwalk Rd. West, Norwalk, from 9 A.M. until noon, with a service at 12:30 P.M. Burial will follow later in Ashland Cemetery.  Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St. Norwalk, Ohio 44857 is entrusted with arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Lefty Grove Baseball League, P.O. Box 918 Norwalk, Ohio 44857. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.

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