Tribute to Richard Ford

by Debbie Wuthnow

Celebrating His Life and Legacy


On April 15, 2022—Good Friday—a dear servant of Christ passed from this life into the next and is now dancing and singing with our risen savior.  Hailed by some as “The Godfather of conservative politics in Texas,” he was not just the founder of iVoterGuide and a leader in the conservative political realm, but also a man whose vision was rooted in a deep love of God and commitment to see the America he loved remain a bastion for those seeking God and preaching the Gospel. Richard-Headshot.jpg

During the 80s, Richard formed the Free Market Committee, whose initial act was to recruit the legislators to form the Texas Conservative Coalition, a bipartisan group of “pro-family” legislators.  Free Market Committee scored other successes in the 80s and were among those who persuaded Democratic Governor Bob Bullock to rescind his call for a state income tax in 1991 and to call for licensing of abortion clinics in 1985 . . . closing half of the abortion facilities in Texas.

In 1987, Free Market Foundation was formed to focus on research and education for free enterprise, limited government, and traditional family values and became the model for the state Family Policy Councils of Focus on the Family.  Today, Free Market Foundation is known as Texas Values.

Richard hired Kelly Shackelford and began their powerful legal arm, Liberty Legal Institute.   As Richard turned his attention more ‘behind the scenes’, Shackelford was put in charge of Liberty Legal Institute—which is now First Liberty.  

A recurring theme to Richard’s vision was to empower Christians to use their God-ordained authority to vote wisely.  From the first voter guides released by Free Market Foundation all the way to the formation of iVoterGuide decades later, Richard knew that we all have a civic responsibility to vote, yet too many lack information to be good stewards of their citizenship.  He dedicated his life to serving God by stepping in to fill that void.

If you didn’t know Richard well, you might not know that a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 1981 caused him to pull back from national politics and focus on Texas.  And you might not know that he had been confined to a wheelchair for almost thirty-five years.  But physical infirmity didn’t slow him down.  Richard frequently paraphrased 1 Corinthians 1:27 to say that “God uses the foolish to confound the wise and the weak to confound the strong.”  His trust in God’s power working through him was greater than human strength, and through God’s strength Richard accomplished much! 

As impactful as Richard was politically, his greater legacy is spiritual.  Richard Ford was a man after God’s own heart, with a passion for sharing the love of Jesus and discipling others to learn the hope that is in Christ.  He was known for his love for the Lord and his love of his family and friends.  But he wasn’t always that way. 

Richard credits his real estate business partner, John Maisel, as being a model for Christ-like living and for teaching him to share Jesus with everyone . . . even with strangers on elevators, whom he’d ask, “Do you have a relationship with Jesus or are you still in the process?” 

RichardWalkTheTalk2018.jpgJulie and Richard Ford with John Maisel, 2018

RichardWalkTheTalk2017.jpgDebbie Wuthnow and Richard Ford, 2017

It was Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, who helped Richard see the intersection between working for God’s kingdom and becoming active in civic engagement.  His activism was always motivated to do all things for God’s glory.  He would say that he learned to trust Jesus more as he became physically weaker.   

Richard saw God as working through all situations and challenged my faith as he always responded to crises with “Thank you, Jesus!” because he knew God had a better plan.  And He always did! 

Even though he could not physically stand, Richard stood for what he believed in and was a stalwart example of Christian, conservative leadership.  Richard was like a father to me, and made me a better servant of Christ.  The legacy he left for his loved ones, his state, and his country will endure, and we are all better for having walked alongside him.

It has been a remarkable privilege to work with such a dear man of God who, fittingly, went home on Good Friday, a day of mourning and hope. May we all strive to do everything to God’s glory, as Richard certainly did, and—like we know he did on April 15—one day hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Note: To join us and beloved family in celebrating his life, you may view his memorial service online until May 25, 2022.  To leave memories, condolences, or encouragement for his family and all who love him, click here.

Richard asked that memorial gifts be made to American Family Association.

Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, the mind has not conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9


Get Reminders

Whether it's important news, voting dates, or election reminders, iVoterGuide equips you to make an impact and a real difference in every election.
Join Now

See your voter guide

Spread the Word

You are the greatest influencer in politics today.
Share on social media.

Article
Archives

Why a Republic?
Can YOU Pass Our Citizenship Quiz?
What the Bible says about: Marriage and Family
Become a Biblical Citizen!
Now's the Time to Register to Vote!
Debate Watch Checklist
Voting is Great, but I Want to do More!
Will Artificial Intelligence Influence Your Vote?
What is a Fiscal Conservative?
NEW Improvements to Your Voter Guide!
Remember. Celebrate. Engage!
2023 School Board Elections
How to Contact Congress
What the Bible Says About: Religious Liberty
What the Bible Says About: Government Spending
Memorial Day 2023
What the Bible Says About: Parental Rights
National Day of Prayer 2023
Can One Person Make a Difference?
Way Maker
How Does Your State Legislature Work?
The Speaker’s Battle: What Was Gained?
How Much Power Does the Speaker Have?
Timeless Advice from a Model President
Importance of Special Elections
How Did iVoterGuide Begin?
Is There A Wall of Separation Between Church and State?
Join Us in Actively Praying for 2023
The Second Most Important Thing…
Thank You for Your Feedback!
"The Government Shall be Upon His Shoulder"
The Conservative Current
Ranked Choices and Lost Voices
What is Ranked Choice Voting?
"Duty is Ours; Results are God’s"
Join me in Petitioning God on Behalf of Our Country
Ballot Measures: What Does That Mean?
Your Freedom is Under Attack
Decoding the Left's Lies
Why Vote?
Does One Vote Matter?
Saving the Constitution
The Elephant/Donkey in the Room
Do More Than Vote
Updated Candidate Questions for Today's Issues
Take Advantage of our Candidate Questionnaires
Understanding Candidate Profiles
Judicial Candidate Evaluations
Answered Prayers
The Importance of Primary Elections
Pray for Our Country
Tribute to Richard Ford
Tools to Help You Reach Your Neighbors
Protect Our Children
Free Church Outreach Materials
What Candidate Ratings Really Mean
Importance of Panelists
The Blessings of Religious Liberty
Lessons from a Day of Infamy
A Bold Response
The First Thanksgiving
Debunking the Left’s Arguments on Abortion
How Does Redistricting Affect You?
State Powers vs. Federal Powers
Life or Death Voting
Dobbs vs Jackson
The Importance of Worldview
Pray for the Supreme Court
Why Do We Do What We Do?
20 Years Ago
Take Courage
Separation of Powers
Immigration Issues and the Bible
Supreme Court Victories
When Justice Goes Packing
Who's Winning?
The Flag is Under Attack
Five Ways to Spot Fake "Facts"
What Is the Filibuster and How Does It Work?
Saving Our Kids From CSE
Presidential Power vs. The People
School Board 101
Toward a Nation That is Good and Free
Political Parties: What Do They Stand For?
How and Why We Partner
Election Ripple Effect