Ford Thueson

FORD W. THUESON IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Ford Webb Thueson, 86, died November 18, 2007, at Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful, Utah, from pneumonia. Ford was born November 17, 1921, in Sugar City, Idaho, to Niels Oscar Thueson and Lydia Adeline Webb Thueson. He attended school in Rexburg and Idaho Falls, Idaho, and enjoyed playing the violin. While in the eighth grade, he was chosen to play the trombone in the Idaho Falls High School Band. He spent his teenage years herding sheep with his father in the Island Park, Idaho, area. He later earned a GED. On January 30, 1942, Ford married Elizabeth "Betty" Kinghorn in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. They lived in Lewisville, Idaho, until he was drafted into the Army, where he volunteered for the Army Air Corps. Ford served in the 381st Bomber Group, as a bombardier and waist gunner on a B-17, was shot down over Germany August 17, 1943, during the Schweinfurt Raids, taken prisoner and held at Stalag 17B in Krems, Austria. He was liberated by U.S. troops May 5, 1945, his wife's birthday. He received two Bronze Stars, three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Air Medal, and the Prisoner of War Medal. He started Ford's Vacu-Maid in 1958, expanding into Utah in 1972. Ford became a successful businessman and was inducted into the National Vacuum Dealers Trade Association's "Hall of Fame" for his contributions to the built-in vacuum industry. He retired in 1983 and passed the family business on to his sons. Ford was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held the office of High Priest. He enjoyed art, travel, hunting, fishing, camping and off-road motorcycling. Most of all, he enjoyed being with family and friends. Survivors include his daughter, Karen (LaRell) Davenport, of Idaho Falls; four sons, Dennis (LaDean), Woods Cross, UT, Douglas (Donna) Shelley, ID, Bradly (Shannon), Fruit Heights, UT, Kevin (Marci), Bountiful, UT; 18 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Ford was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his parents, five brothers and three sisters. A viewing will be held at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 N. Main, Bountiful, Utah, on Friday, November 23, 2007, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Funeral services will be in Idaho Falls, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, Saturday, November 24, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. with a viewing one hour prior to services. Interment will follow at Fielding Memorial Park, Idaho Falls, Idaho with military honors. ------------------------------------------ Condolences received online: Linda Nadauld Proctor jitrbuglinda@hughes.net Doug, Donna, and family, Sorry about the loss of your father. Please accept my condolences and know that my prayers are with you.