Fred J. Ford, 55, of New Memphis, died Sunday, May 25, 2008 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville. He was born April 18, 1953 in Breese, son of Edward W., Jr. and Mary Ann (Haar) Ford.

He is survived by his long time companion, Annette Hagen of New Memphis and her daughter Diana (Robert) Brooks of Mountain View, MO; his brothers, Edward W. Ford III of New Memphis, Ken (Karen) Ford of New Baden, Roger (Betty) Ford of Trenton, Bobby (Jeanette) Ford of Trenton; a sister, Karen (Jim) Brown of Trenton; two godsons, Colton Hagen of Irvington and Mike Ford of Friendswood, TX; nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister-in-law, Josie Ford.

Fred ran Ford Brothers Tavern in New Memphis for 26 years. He was a member of Laborers Union Local 742 in Mascoutah and was an avid life member of the NRA. He was a graduate of Wesclin High School, class of 1971.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden with Rev. David Fletcher officiating.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice and will be received at the funeral home.