Gerald Rudolph Ford was born on July 14, 1913 in Omaha, Nebraska. His biological father was Leslie Lynch King and his mother was Dorothy Ayer Gardner King (Ford). His parents separated shortly after his birth and his mother took him to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Later, she married Gerald R. Ford, who eventually adopted young Leslie Lynch King, Jr. and changed his name to Gerald R. Ford, Jr. “Jerry” excelled in school, became an Eagle Scout and starred on the football team at the University of Michigan. When Richard Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, he became our 38^th President. He served until January 20, 1977.

     Gerald Ford was never elected as either Vice-President or President. Richard Nixon’s Vice-President, Spiro T. Agnew, had resigned in disgrace in 1973. Mr. Ford was selected to be his replacement under provisions of the 25^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. President Ford survived two assassination attempts – both by women. Although he was generally considered to be a popular President, his “Unconditional Pardon” of former President Nixon was seen, by some, as part of a secret deal they had made. He ran for election on his own, in 1976, but was defeated. Many people thought that was a consequence of the Nixon pardon.

     Gerald R. Ford married Elizabeth “Betty” Bloomer Warren in 1948. They have four children: Michael, John, Steven and Susan. President Ford died in California on December 26, 2006.  He was our longest living ex-president.  His lifespan was 45 days longer than Ronald Reagan.