Joel Ford, 77

Joel Ford, 77, of Clarkston, Wash., passed away unexpectedly Feb. 5, 2024.

Born in Los Angeles, Calif., on March 25, 1946, to the late Carl and Eleanor Ford. Joel was raised in Mullan, Idaho, and graduated from Mullan High School in 1965. Joel then went on to study at North Idaho College for two years, earning an associate's degree in forestry. 

Joel worked in forestry for 20 years, then continued part-time while working in the Galena Mine until its closure in 1991. After the mine closed, Joel chose to receive training as a long-haul truck driver, which he did until his retirement in 2011.

Joel was a bachelor for many years until he met the love of his life, Carol Vincent. They met in Clarkston during a bowling tournament and Joel has always said it was “love at first sight.” Joel and Carol married Sept. 3, 1983, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They lived together in Mullan and later relocated to Clarkston.

Carol had three children from a previous marriage, Clinton Walker, Darrin Walker and Elisa Nordin, whom Joel lovingly accepted as his own. Their children would later give them 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, which Carol and Joel dotingly divided by a family rival between the Raiders and the 49ers. 

Joel loved hunting, fishing, bowling, football, gardening and baking (We all loved his famous decorated sugar cookies on the holidays).

Joel was very active with the Mullan Volunteer Fire Department while residing in Mullan and later with his church, United Methodist, while living in Clarkston. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Ford; parents Carl and Eleanor Ford; uncle Francis Ford; aunt Linnea Ford; brothers-in-law Spike Elwood and Butch Jacobson; mother-in-law Sis Miller and granddaughter Emma Davis.

Joel is survived by his sons, Clinton Walker and Darrin Walker; daughter Elisa Nordin; brother Keith Ford; sisters Mary Jacobson and Cindy Elwood; several nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Joel Ford’s service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at the United Methodist Church, 1242 Highland Ave., Clarkston, WA 99403.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either the United Methodist Church or the Mullan Volunteer Fire Department in his name.