Ford M. Bollenbacher, 76, Rockford, died at 4:42 p.m. July 17, 2014, at the Kobacker House, Hospice Center, Columbus, after a brief illness.

He was born in Rockford, on Feb. 27, 1938, to George Edwin and Edna Koeppel Bollenbacher. On June 29, 1957, he married Gretchen Miller, who survives.

Also surviving are two children, Greg (Betty) Bollenbacher, Powell, and Jill (Ron) Walker, Delaware; seven grandchildren, Dani Bollenbacher, Jamie Bollenbacher, Derrick Kuhn, Derrin Kuhn, Ronnie Walker, Aaron Walker and Natasha Walker; a great-granddaughter, Claire Kuhn; a sister, Betty Drey, Phoenix, Ariz.; and a sister-in-law, Betty Bollenbacher, Celina.

Deceased are a granddaughter, Libbie Kuhn; three brothers, Marlin "Jiggs" Bollenbacher, Darlene Bollenbacher and Eugene Bollenbacher; and a sister, Delores Winget.

He had been a farmer his entire life and also owned and operated the Ag Shop, where he worked on tractors and autos. He had lived in Rockford his entire life and was a member of the Chattanooga United Methodist Church, Chattanooga. He will always be remembered for being the "Voice of the Panthers," announcing football and basketball games for more than 30 years for the Parkway Panthers in Rockford.

The Bollenbacher family is planning a time for friends and relatives to gather and celebrate his life.

Calling is 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford.

Memorials may be directed to the Kobacker House, 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, Ohio, 43214.

Condolences may be expressed at www.ketchamripley.com.