A funeral service was held today for late Toledo Councilman and former mayor Jack Ford.

A line of mourners stretching outside the doors of Warren AME Church gathered just before 3 p.m. today.

The visitation was followed by a "presentation of commendations and remembrances" at 6 p.m., according to a Ford family spokesman.

This is the first of several services for Mr. Ford. A funeral will begin at noon Monday at the church, located at 915 Collingwood Blvd.

Mr. Ford, 67, died March 21 after a long career in Toledo and Ohio politics. He became House Democratic leader in 1998 at a time when Republicans were in the majority. Term-limited in the House, Mr. Ford was encouraged by Lucas County Democratic leaders to run for mayor in 2001. He defeated Lucas County Treasurer Ray Kest, also a Democrat.

Mr. Ford had been in poor health from diabetes and kidney failure for years, though he stayed active politically and on March 3 vied unsuccessfully for the position of council president, a post he held 21 years before. He was hospitalized on March 10, causing his absence from several council meetings.

He will be buried in his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. There will be an hour-long visitation at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield, followed by a funeral service.

All events are open to the public.

First Published March 29, 2015, 8:18 p.m.