Ernest J. "Ernie" Ford Jr.

Ernest J. "Ernie" Ford Jr., 70, Greencastle, passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2011.

Ernie was born on June 7, 1940 in Salt Lake City to Ernest J. Ford and Helen Worthen Ford.

He received his formal education from the University of Utah, attaining his bachelors and masters degrees in journalism.

During his journalism career, he had been employed with the Desert News, Post Register in Idaho Falls, Salt Lake Tribune, KSL Television in Salt Lake City, and KDFW in Dallas. He served as an adjunct instructor at University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Utah State University and DePauw University. His outstanding journalistic career was recognized by regional Emmys, the Eudora Welty Award, DuPont Award and he was inducted into the University of Utah Chronicle Hall of Fame.

Ernie had owned the Fine Print Bookstore in Greencastle.

He was a member, president and executive director of the Society of Professional Journalists. He also was passionately involved at the Putnam County Playhouse.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Linda H. Ford; two children, Stacey Petersen and husband Preston of Reelsville and E. James Ford of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and his grandson, Zethor Petersen.

His parents and a sister, Janice Helen Ford, preceded him in death.

A celebration of Ernie's life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Putnam County Playhouse, 715 South County Road 100 East, Greencastle.

In keeping with Ernie's wishes, memorials may benefit the Putnam County Playhouse or the Society of Professional Journalists.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.BittlesandHurt.com.