Ford's burial planned 25 years in advance

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Will Jones, the first curator for the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich., began work 25 years ago on plans for Ford's burial ceremony at the museum.

Jones, 65, oversaw construction of the museum and the installation of the crypt that will become Ford's final resting place, The Grand Rapids Press reported.

"As far as the design of the crypts was concerned, the decision was made that they would not build a separate mausoleum-type structure," said Jones, who lives in Edmond, Okla.

Jones was reportedly chosen by Ford himself for the job. Jones had formerly worked on museums dedicated to presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman.

Jones plans to attend Ford's funeral in Grand Rapids with his wife, Viola, the Press reported.