Herman Ford, 88, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Kentucky.
Herman was born on February 13, 1937, in Marshall County, Kentucky, to the late George R. Ford and Rubie Young Ford. Having been one of twelve children, Herman learned from a very young age the importance of hard work and determination, and that the easiest way may not always be the best way. Undoubtedly, Herman carried these core values and beliefs with him throughout his personal life and career.
As a lifelong resident of Marshall County, Herman always envisioned staying deeply rooted in his community and eventually raising his family here. On December 29, 1956, after around two years of dating, Herman married the love of his life, Fannie Mae Scott Ford, marking the beginning of their shared journey. In 1969, Herman was elected and began serving as the Marshall County Jailer, a position he devoted himself to for many years. Having already welcomed two children into their lives, Herman’s earlier career as a Jailer began humbly and demonstrated his level of commitment. At that current time, the Marshall County Jail was situated on the top floor of the Courthouse, where Herman, Fannie, and their two children began living in a small apartment connected to the jail. During this time, even Herman’s wife and children occasionally helped him with some of his duties, passing out meals to inmates and performing other tasks. Being so passionate about his role as the Jailer, Herman played a pivotal role in founding and reforming the Kentucky Jailer’s Association to help provide protection, support, and promote the best interests of other Jailers in the State of Kentucky. On April 7, 1992, the Marshall County Jail relocated to its new, state-of-the-art location on West Fifth Street. During his time serving the community as the Jailer, Herman was known for his fairness and honesty, earning him the respect and admiration of both staff and inmates. Over the years, Herman made it a point to keep in touch with former inmates, having received boxes of letters from them. He always enjoyed keeping in touch and offering support if they ever needed it. On November 1, 1998, Herman retired after nearly 30 years of service to Marshall County, passing on the legacy to his son, Roger Ford, who was elected Jailer earlier that year.
In his personal life, Herman was not someone who liked to rest; he loved to stay busy. Whether he was working on his farm, tinkering with tractors, or taking care of his cattle, he enjoyed staying busy outside. When he wasn’t on his farm, he loved spending time around people. Known for being very personable, Herman always made a point of going out to make his rounds, visiting and checking on people at their home, the hospital, or nursing home. As a long-time member of Walnut Street Baptist Church, his faith was a guiding light throughout his entire life. Herman was honored to have served Marshall County for so many years, and his love for the county and its people was evident in everything he did. Above all else, Herman cherished his family. He was a respected and loved role model to his children and grandchildren, whose lives have been profoundly shaped by his example. He wasn’t just admired by his family, but by all those he knew.
He was preceded in death by his four sisters, Claudine Penney, Juanita West, Dorothy Ford, and Shirley Jackson; his seven brothers, Woodrow Ford, Namon Ford, Gene Ford, Rossie Ford, Randolph Ford, Albert Ford, and Don Ford; and his parents, George Randolph Ford and Rubie Adella Young Ford.
He is survived by his daughter, Cindy Wells (Greg) of Trenton, Tennessee; his son Roger Ford (Laurie) of Benton; seven grandchildren, Hope Davis (Dwaylon), Ashley Oakley (Steve), Tyler Ford, Alli English (David), Amy Sykes (Cody), Chad Wells (Sherry), and Amanda Zill (Brad); twenty one great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to The Marshall County Exceptional Center, 198 Old Symsonia Rd, Benton, KY 42025, or to Marcella’s Kitchen, 868 Guy Mathis Dr, Benton, KY 42025.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, KY.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann with Bro. Joel Frizzell officiating. Burial will follow at Benton Cemetery.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit Herman’s Tribute Wall at www.filbeckandcann.com
