One thing led to another and I didn't have to take tickets any more because I now worked for Mr. Rogers. He said if I was going to take care of his horses than I'd better learn how to ride. He was very kind to me.

He was promoted to commander in 1963 and captain in 1968. He suggested doing a western series instead which resulted in the "modern day western" series Cade's County. Death
Ford suffered a series of minor strokes which left him in frail health in the years leading up to his death.

Despite his versatility Ford was best known for playing ordinary men in unusual circumstances.