Gene Arthur Ferguson, 91, of Sedalia, passed peacefully on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at Bothwell Regional Health Center with his wife and family by his side. Gene was a hard working man with a work ethic that was second to none.
He was born October 23, 1929, in Lowry City, a son of the late Glen and Josephine (Richeson) Ferguson. On May 9, 1975, in Miami, OK, he married Charlene “Pat” Klein, who survives of the home.
Gene was a graduate of Osceola High School. He began his work as a mail contractor in 1950 alongside his business partner, Charlie Barnes, and was still working up until four weeks ago. Over the years he also hauled freight for various companies as a member of the Teamsters Union. Gene was a member of the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association and was a delegate to the national convention for a number of years, to which he and Pat enjoyed traveling. His hobbies included fishing and camping. Gene can be described as reliable, dependable, strong, and again, a hard worker. He often said, “got to make that money while you can.” He will be remembered for his good sense of humor.
He was a member of Saint Vincent de Paul Parish and attended St. Patrick Chapel.
Surviving are his wife, Pat, of the home; five children, Paula Fischer (Dan) of Sedalia, Patrick Ferguson (Connie) of Sedalia, Bradley Ferguson (Betty) of Colorado Springs, Shauna Ferguson of Ballwin, and Marty Ferguson (Kim) of Smithton; two step-children, Julie Hardy of Green Ridge, and Kevin Zimmerschied (Missy) of Green Ridge; eleven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Harriet Gilkeson of Brunswick, and Joyce Barnes of Lowry City; and his beloved dog, Lilly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sondra Ferguson; and his son-in-law, Tim Hardy.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 11, 2021, at Heckart Funeral Home, with Fr. Joe Corel officiating. Prayers of the Rosary will be said at 9:00 a.m. Friday followed by visitation until service time.
Casket bearers will be Adam Ferguson, Jacob Hardy, Noah Hardy, Mitchell Zimmerschied, Matthew Ferguson and David Penner.
Honorary bearers will be Terry Ryan, Steve Rouchka, Herschel Cantrell, Dean Schnakenberg, Bob Williams (the coffee shop guys), and Andrew Ferguson.
Burial will be in La Monte Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Saint Vincent de Paul Parish, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Braverman, Dr. Sharp and the staff at Bothwell Regional Health Center for all the care they gave Gene.