Donald Ray "Stepper" Ford

Donald Ray “Stepper” Ford, 77, of Marked Tree, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 14, 2025. He was born on April 28, 1948 in Marked Tree to J.C. Ford and Doskie Cooper Ford. He was a farmer and was proud of the land he worked and the harvest he provided. He also had a passion for racing and building hot rod cars, and he was known as a skilled pool shark who enjoyed friendly competition. More than anything he loved spending time with his family and friends. Although he faced challenges of polio, he never let it hold him back. With strength and perseverance, he tackled every obstacle and will be remembered as a true overcomer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother: Joseph Cooper Ford, granddaughter: Emily Ann Caplinger, and sister: Vanita Ann Ford.

Donald is survived by his wife of fifty-five years: Polly Martin Ford of the home, daughters: Lisa Ann Caplinger of Marked Tree, Arkansas, Donna “Janie” Long (Jason Grant) of Springdale, Arkansas, Rachael Pitts (Wesley) of Marked Tree, Arkansas and Ashley Payne (Norman) of Viburnum, Missouri, brother: Herbert Ford of Mountain Home, Arkansas, sisters: Patricia Ford of Marked Tree, Arkansas, Katherine Ford of Marked Tree, Arkansas and Barbara Murray of Walcott, Arkansas, grandchildren: Brandon Ford (Tiffany), Shelbi Phillips (Bubba), Hannah Caplinger, Kelsey Pitts, Martin Long, Kinsley Jerick (Jared), Kyleigh Payne, Isabel Long, Rayleigh Pitts, Katelee Payne, Wesley Michael Pitts, great grandchildren: Zayla Ford, Laikyn Phillips, Zaylah Ford, James Wineland and Weston Phillips.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Marked Tree Church of God.

A visitation will be held Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Marked Tree Church of God.

Interment will follow service in Marked Tree Cemetery, Marked Tree, Arkansas.

Brother Patrick Tucker will officiate the service and Jason Grant will be reading the obituary.

Arrangements are under the care of Delancey Funeral Home in Marked Tree.