Keith R. Ford, 73, of Sta- ples, died Aug. 8, 2010 at the Lakewood Health System Hospital, Staples.

A memorial service will be held Aug. 14, at 2:30 p.m. at the Staples Alliance Church, with visitation starting at 1 p.m. Burial will be in the Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

Arrangements are with the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.

Keith was born Jan. 26, 1937, in Wadena to Keith and Gwendolyn (Hoffmeister) Ford. He grew up in the area and attended school in Staples, graduating in 1956. On Oct. 5, 1957, he married Carol Mertens at Sacred Heart Church in Staples. Throughout their 53 years of marriage they lived in Elk River, Anoka and Coon Rapids, returning to Staples in 2006. Keith worked as a truck driver for nearly 30 years, retiring in 1995. Keith was very active in the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Master, and was involved in 4-H when he was younger.

Keith is survived by his wife; one daughter, Jody (Gus) Schmiege; one son, Dwain (Sheryl) Ford; five grandchildren; five greatgrandchildren; one brother, Bruce (Marlys) Ford; one sister, Carol (LeRoy) Dahlvang; mother-in-law, Julia Mertens; and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father in-law, Joe Mertens; and brother and sisterin law, Bob and (LuAnn) Mertens.