Tommy N. Ford

Tommy Nelson Ford, age 83 of Mishawaka, passed away at the Center for Hospice, Raclin House, on March 30, 2025. Tommy was born January 22, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Harvey T. and Emma “Blanche” (Randolph) Ford. Tommy attended Penn High School and later joined the US Navy, serving honorably from 1959-1963. He later met Antoinette “Toni” Fotia and they were married in Cookeville, Tennessee on September 10, 1977.

He is survived by his wife Toni Ford and their children Jefferey (Nicole) Ford and Emily (Kyle) Lechlitner, all of Mishawaka, along with three grandchildren whom he adored, Lyla Ford, Emma Lechlitner, and Nolan Lechlitner. Tommy was preceded in death by his brothers Don Ford and Harvey T. Ford.

Tommy was the owner and general contractor at Value Plus Construction, where he took great care of his clients and employees. He was fair, kind, and generous to everyone, never asking for anything in return. In his neighborhood, Tommy was known as "the Candy Man." Kids would stop by his house regularly, knowing they’d be greeted with a sweet treat and a smile. When he wasn’t working, Tommy loved being outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and spending time on the water, and every year, he planted a vegetable garden. His tomatoes were always the pride of his harvest

More than anything, he loved his children, his grandchildren, and "his Toni." They were his world, and even throughout his illness, he stayed active in their lives, always putting them first.

A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held at a later date. Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Care has been entrusted with his services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, Indiana, 46545. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Tommy’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook Tab above.

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