Melvin "Buddy" Paul Ford, 82, Archie, MO, passed away Wednesday morning, November 13, 2019 at his home.  A memorial/graveside service was held Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, MO.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Bud was born January 1, 1937 in Fort Scott, KS a son of Ernest Lee and Naomi Pearl (Gibson) Ford.  He was a graduate of Archie High School and had lived in Archie most of his life.  Bud was a U. S. Army veteran.  He worked for General Motors for 30 years before retiring in 1989.  He also had driven a school bus for several years.  Bud was a well-known musician, and had played with various bands and shows for over 50 years.  He played with the Country Playboys for years.  He owned and operated Rich Hill Opry from 1985-1989 and also owned Appleton City Opry.  He was a weekly regular at West Line jam sessions.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, and several brothers and sisters, Wilford Ford, Lloyd Ford, Victor Leroy Ford, Marvin Ford, Ernest Ford (Junior), Joy Kilpatrick, Douglas Ford, Jack Ford, Terry Ford, and Patricia Crisp.  He is survived by one son, Timothy Lee Ford and one daughter, Paula Marlene Grant, both of Archie, MO; one sister, Betty Jo Martin, Archie, MO; 8 grandchildren, Kristen Hunter, Kyle Grant, Jacob Grant, Cody Johnson, Zach Ford, Jason Ford, Caylee Ford, and Emma Ford, and 5 great-grandchildren.