(KNZA)--A longtime, award winning educator has died.
Mike Ford, of Holton, was 69-years-old at the time of his death Monday.
Ford's love of Star Trek is noted in his obituary from Holton's Mercer Funeral Home, which states that he was "beamed up" to heaven.
Ford, the obituary says, taught various subjects at Holton Middle School, earth and space science and astronomy at Holton High School, and courses in astronomy for Highland Community College. He also taught and served as a substitute teacher at Sabetha, Kickapoo Indian Nation School, Jackson Heights and Horton. He also served on the Holton USD 336 Board of Education since 2008 and the Jackson County Tourism Council. He was inducted into the Jackson County Hall of Fame in 2014.
Ford, an education embassador for NASA, earned accolades and awards as a teacher, including a Toyota Tapestry grant, a Christa McAuliffe grant, a US Department of Education grant, Topeka Capital Journal Distinguished Kansan in Education and a Milken Award.
A lover of astronomy, Ford was responsible for establishing the Elk Creek Observatory in 2000 and later helped establish the Banner Creek Science Center in 2004, where he served as observatory director.
Among his numerous other roles, Ford also served as a Captain in the Kansas Army National Guard 105th Public Affairs Detachment.
Among his survivors are his wife, Karen, and a son, Michiel Clayton Ford.
Ford's funeral service, complete with military honors, will be Monday morning at 10:30 at the funeral home.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Severe storms move through NE KS
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Commission approves agreement for budget help
Pawnee City School Board approves personnel changes
Council hears report from golf course
Richardson County accepted into managed call handling program
LATEST STORIES
Nemaha NRD honoring Stewardship Week
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Peru State faculty member to be honored
Nebraska Primary Election reminders
Severe storms move through NE KS
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers