Wilson Ford

Wilson Ford (Naakai Dine’é), 84, of Camp Verde, AZ formerly of Arvada, CO and Kirtland, NM passed away at home on Monday December 22, 2025. He was born in Upper Fruitland, NM on January 7, 1941, to Ruth (Naakai Dine’é) and David Ford (Ashiihnii). Wilson was blessed with 3 children from a previous marriage but ultimately found love with Darlene Ford (Sims). He and Darlene were married June 19, 1982, in a small chapel in Lakewood, CO. They were married for 43 years. Together they were blessed with 3 children. During their marriage Wilson took guardianship of his 5 nieces and nephews, and together they built a home and raised their 11 children in Arvada, CO.

As a young man Wilson worked at Disneyland rowing the canoes around Tom Sawyer Island. Later in his career he worked at Deutsch, an engineering company in Banning, CA. Finally, for 31 years Wilson worked at CoorsTek as a Senior Tool Design Engineer in Golden, CO up until his retirement in June 2000. Thereafter, he moved to Camp Verde, AZ.

Wilson loved to travel with his family. Together they traveled all over the US. He would plan vacations for every winter, spring and summer break. They would travel to faraway places including Vancouver British Columbia, Kennebunk, Maine, Orlando, Florida, Padre Island, Texas, Nogales, Mexico, and everywhere else in between. Wilson also had a love for fixing cars, he was self-sufficient, meticulous and organized. He valued hard work and respect for each other. Ultimately Wilson loved the Lord and was born again in 1982. He shared his testimony and love of Jesus with anyone who would listen.

Wilson is survived by his wife, Darlene Ford, his sister, Shirley Salazar, his brother, Harry Ford, his sons Wade and Darrell Ford. His Daughters, Cynthia Deer, Colleen, Christine, Roxana Ford and Tiffany Hughes. Finally, his eleven grandchildren ranging in ages from 3 to 29. He is preceded in death by his parents, sons, Samuel, Luther, Manuel and Calvin Ford and his brothers Johnny and Cecil Ford.

Wilson was laid to rest Monday, December 29, 2025, in Kirtland, NM by his loving family and friends.