Steve Ford, son of former Kentucky Governor and U.S. Senator Wendell Ford, shared personal memories of the late President Jimmy Carter during a presentation Thursday morning at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Rooster Booster event, reflecting on the friendship between his father and the former president.
Carter was the 39th President of the United States and served from 1977 to 1981. He died on December 29 in his home at the age of 100. Senator Ford died in January 2015 at the age of 90. The two spent many years in office together.
Known for his commitment to humanitarian work and Christian faith, Carter often wore his beliefs openly, Steve Ford noted. His presidency saw the establishment of the Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency, initiatives Wendell Ford supported as a fellow Democrat during his time in the U.S. Senate.
Carter’s state funeral was held on January 9, 2025, at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. It was attended by all five living U.S. presidents, along with other dignitaries and global leaders. Following the service, Carter’s remains were transported to his hometown of Plains, Georgia, for a private burial alongside his wife, Rosalynn Carter.
Steve Ford described his experience attending a Sunday school class taught by Carter in Plains as “almost surreal to have the President of the United States giving you a Sunday school lesson.”
“It was such a unique experience, and he taught with sincerity and humility,” Steve Ford said. “You don’t often see someone in such a position of power being so genuine and approachable.”
He also recalled his father’s professional relationship with Carter.
“They were both Southern governors who shared farming backgrounds and were about the same age,” Steve Ford said. “While they weren’t close personal friends, they respected each other as colleagues and worked together on several key legislative efforts.”
A memorable story Steve Ford shared involved Owensboro artist Moose Morehead, a local painter known for incorporating unique elements into his work. Morehead was inspired by Carter’s peanut farming background, so he mixed peanut butter into his paint to create a barn scene and was determined to have Carter sign the painting.
“Dad said Moose bugged the heck out of him to work out the time,” Steve Ford said, laughing. “Eventually, Dad arranged it, and Moose made it to the White House. Carter tried to sign it, but I bet he went through 20 pens trying to write on top of the peanut butter paint.”
Throughout his reflections, Steve Ford emphasized the mutual respect between his father and Carter despite occasional differences.
“Dad always spoke highly of him,” he said.
Their connection, built on shared values and a commitment to public service, left a lasting impression on Steve Ford. He was proud to reflect on the importance of leadership grounded in integrity and compassion — qualities both his father and Carter exemplified.
