William Ferguson's Obituary
William Jasper Ferguson, son of Thomas Earl and Myrtle Berry Ferguson, was born September 2, 1923, in Blanche, Missouri. He departed this life Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at the Missouri Veteran?s Home, Mount Vernon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-seven years, eight months, and twenty-two days.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; the mother of his children, Ilene Ferguson; a son, Boyd Ferguson, who died in the Vietnam War; a sister, Pauline Powers; and one brother, Chalmer Ferguson.
He is survived by two daughters, Joan Bebb of Fresno, California, and Debra Vigness and her husband Jim, of Bucklin, Kansas; seven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley Orum and Mary Off, both of Prineville, Oregon; a brother, Dave Ferguson of Prineville, Oregon; a very special friend, Hellen Nettleton of the home; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
Bill was born in Blanche, Missouri, and attended Mountain Grove High School. He left school before graduating, and went to work for the Civilian Conservation Corps, building dams, bridges, and roads in various locations throughout the country. He also proudly served his country in the US Army during World War II. Bill returned home and received his GED and went to work hauling grains and other items for the Willow Springs Exchange. He later moved to California where he worked as a Fertilizer Sales Representative for many years before retiring.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #26 AF&AM in Ava, Missouri as well as the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #47.
Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid gardener. He was also a hard worker and always made sure that his family was well cared for.
Bill was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and will treasure the many memories he has created for his family and many dear friends.
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