Tommy Ford

A memorial service is scheduled for 1pm, Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at First Methodist Church Artesia, New Mexico, for Tommy Edward Ford of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mr. Ford, 73, died November 21, 2023, at his residence in Artesia, NM surrounded by his family. 

Pastor Monty Leavell will officiate the service. Cremation will occur at Ballard Crematory. Honorary Pallbearers will be Barry Beadle, Erik Skramstad, Chris Covey, Keith Elder, Greg Boans, Bob Holley, Bob Tripeer, Jon Beadle, and George Beadle.

Tommy was born November 7, 1950, in Dennison, Ohio, to Adrian "Payday" Ford and Betty (Maple) Ford. He graduated from Artesia High School in 1968 and in1972 graduated from the New Mexico State Police Academy in Santa Fe. Tommy was later assigned to the Las Cruces State Police District. During his career, Tommy held the rank of Senior Patrolman and served in the Espanola State Police District and ultimately retired from the State Police in 1993 while stationed in Artesia. Tommy was a member of the original New Mexico State Police Tactical Team. Following retirement he worked for Mack Energy Corporation, Guy Chevrolet, Helwig and Farmer Bus Company and Akal Security who contracted with the US Marshall's Office to provide security at the Federal Court House in Las Cruces, NM. He married Brandi Covey in 2013. Following his second retirement, he and Brandi came home to Artesia. Tommy enjoyed music, loved to dance, and was an avid Artesia Bulldog football fan. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends, family and German Shepherds. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Ronnie Ford, brother Jimmy Ford, and grandson Adrian Scott "Duce" Ford. Survivors include wife Brandi, brother and best friend Barry Beadle and wife Linda of Artesia, son Scott and wife Angela of Artesia, daughter Heather Skramstad and husband Erik of Boulder City, NV, daughter Kelli Ford of Artesia, grandchildren McKenna Ford, Brayden Ford, Matthew and Jonathan Chavez, Erin Bryce Skramstad, Blake Skramstad, Jalen Rivera, and great granddaughter Kyleigh Ford.