Ford RV Refrigeration Training Center

Ford RV Refrigeration was completely destroyed by the November 15, 2005 tornado that swept across Marshall County. Roger and Onna Lee were in the shop when the tornado struck. Roger heard the roar and looked out the service door just in time to see the huge gray wall coming up behind their home. He, Onna Lee, and their poodle Ambro, only had moments to seek shelter in the shop's restroom where they grabbed a hold of each other, put the dog between them, and headed for their knees, before they could make it, they were airborne, and only by the grace of God, landed sixty feet out in the parking lot. When it was over, they turned to see that the only thing left of their brand new shop was the concrete slab. Their home, barn, two vehicles, and pole barn were completely destroyed. Onna Lee's parents, Ken Kost, 88 and Helen Kost 86, lived in a single wide mobile home, also on the same property, but they could not see if the home was still standing as the debris was piled high in front of it. They rushed back to check on her parents, to find that their home was the only thing left standing on the property and they were fine. Onna Lee and Roger escaped with minor injuries.

Roger, Onna Lee, Ken, and Helen, would like to say thank you to Marshall County executives, the road department, the hospital, and everyone else in the community who were quick and diligent to aid in the recovery of this devastating tornado. "It is such a blessing to live in a community where everyone came together for the aid of others. We have never lived anywhere as wonderful as Marshall County," commented the Fords. The Fords, along with God's guidance and wonderful volunteers began rebuilding as soon as possible and by March, they and her parents had a new home and on May 1, they reopened the business. "Life throws you curves, things you never expect to happen. However, God gives us strength and perseverance to overcome these obstacles. We have seen throughout our lives that we can get through the hardest of hard time. The journey of doing so makes us realize our potentials are greater than we ever imagined possible. We are also reminded that God allows things to happen to help our faith grow stronger."

Though the tornado was devastating at the time and has created hardships, Roger and Onna Lee are determined to continue providing services to the RV owners, training to others who also wish to provide this service, and educate others in the RV industry.

On November 12, 2006, Ford Refrigeration will be sponsoring a "Tornado Reunion" for the survivors, volunteers, and Marshall County Executives. This will take place at Mike Miller Park from 1 to 5 pm. More information will be available at a later date.

After years of being told "it can't be done", in 1984 Roger and Onna Lee Ford founded the only local RV Refrigerator Cooling Unit Reconditioning Service Center, Ford RV Refrigeration. They began their business in Paducah and in 1991 moved to Marshall County, where Roger's family is originally from. Though their specialty is in the reconditioning, they also sell and service all RV appliances. In addition, Ford RV Refrigeration is the only Certified RV Refrigerator Reconditioning Training Center in the United States. They also manufacture the specialized tools required to recondition. Their services and training have brought many tourists to our area. Their students come from all over the US and other countries. They often bring their families for a vacation while they are here obtaining their training. Ford RV is also the home office of the RV Refrigeration Network Association (RVRN). This growing association is becoming nationwide and networks their reconditioning warranties, which saves the traveling consumer time and expense. Ford RV offers a lifetime warranty on their reconditioning.

Ford RV Refrigeration is a member of the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce and also RVDA (Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association). Roger and Onna Lee have written educational articles for the RVDA Educational Foundation, have been published on RV websites, in newspapers, RV Business Magazine, RV Trade Digest, and RV Today. They have also written and published the first technical manual on reconditioning RV Refrigerators.