Rev. Dr. Maurice L. Ford Sr., eldest of four children, was born to the late Harry Lynn and Flossie Beatrice Ford on November 30, 1951 in Richmond Virginia. He passed away on October 21, 2021.
 Maurice attended the Baltimore City Public School System.
 In 1972, Maurice joined the United States Army where he served his country for over 20 years until his retirement.
 Maurice was ordained a Deacon in 1982. In 1983, Maurice was licensed to preach the gospel. He was ordained in the gospel ministry in 1986. In May of 1992, Maurice earned his Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministries from Oklahoma Baptist Seminary. In December of 1993, he earned his Master of Science in Behavioral Sciences from Cameron University. In August of 2014, Maurice earned his Master of Divinity from The Minnesota Graduate School of Theology. In September of 2015, Maurice earned a Doctorate of Ministry from the Minnesota Graduate School of Theology.
 Maurice was the Pastor of Dr. Maurice L. Ford Sr. Ministries in Lawton, Oklahoma until his death. He is Pastor Emeritus of Mt. Zion Baptist in Snyder Oklahoma. Maurice served as Minister of Education in St. John’s Baptist Church in Lawton, Oklahoma, Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Protestant Faith Fellowship in Berlin Germany, and Galilee Baptist Church in Lawton, Oklahoma. Maurice served as Dean of the Western District Congress of Christian Education at the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention. He served as Dean of the Western District Leadership Institute. Maurice served as instructor in the Western District Congress of Christian Education and the Oklahoma Baptist State Congress of Christian Education where he also served as Assistant State Dean. Maurice also served as President of the Congress of Christian Education of the New Hope District Association of the Oklahoma Baptist Convention.
 Maurice’s civic affiliations include membership in St. James Lodge #229 in Altus Oklahoma. He is a past President of the Lawton Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. Maurice is a member of Willie A. Gallop Consistory #377. Maurice also served with Heroine of Jericho and Oklahoma Commanders of the Rite.
 Maurice loved bowling, fine dining, gospel music, and basketball. He loved to fish, go for walks, work out, and play spades. Maurice loved to sing and share the Word of God. His favorite foods include crab legs and catfish. He loved to eat at Red Lobster and Wayne’s Burgers. Maurice loved the Masonic Order. He also loved his job at Chenega. Most all, Maurice loved his family. He was always there whenever someone was in need. He was a listening ear for all who needed it. On July 31, 1998, Maurice married Fleashia Christon. Their union lasted 23 years. Fleashia cared for Maurice and remained by his side until he took his last breath.
 Maurice’s parents: Harry Lynn and Flossie Ford; brother, Calvin; Uncles: Thomas, Lloyd, Clarence, Norman, and Smith; Aunt Ruth; Son-in-Law Anthony; granddaughter Kortnei; and great-grandson, Zayden all preceded him in death.
 Maurice leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Fleashia, sons: Maurice Jr. (Katharina), Bryan Sr., Mark, Harry Lynn II, Marcus, Mateo, and Grayson, daughters: Roxanne (Ronald), Tanya, Cassandra, Katrina, Janice, and Elcena (J.R.), brother, Vincent (Linda), sister, Barbara, 17 grandsons, 17 granddaughters, 10 great-grandsons, 10 great-granddaughters and a host of other relatives and friends.
 Funeral service was held on Friday, October 29, 2021 at New Zion Missionary Baptist. Interment was at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, OK. Under the direction of Browns Funeral Home, Chickasha, OK.