Hugh "Fergie" Ferguson

HUGH ELWIN “FERGIE” FERGUSON died June 22, 2009 in the Herington Hospital in Herington, KS at the age of 90. He was born on December 21, 1918 in Severy, KS, the son of. Hugh Tillman Ferguson and Agnes Knudsen Ferguson. He graduated from Severy High School, one of 18 in the Class of ’37. His higher education was interrupted by WWII, when he served honorably in the US Army from Dec. 17th, 1940 – October 17th, 1945, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. During the war, he served as a Pharmacy Tech. aboard US military hospital ships in both the Pacific Campaign (’43-’44) and Europe (’44-’45). Later he completed his Bachelor's degree and his pharmacy degree at what is now the University of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC). On April 10, 1950 Fergie married Mary Jacqueline Girzi of Superior, WI in Kansas City, Mo and took their honeymoon in Hot Springs, AR and later went on vacation to Havana, Cuba in 1953. From there, the Ferguson's resided in Council Grove, KS where Hugh Elwin worked with his older brother Forrest in the Ferguson Rexall Drugstore and where he had another son, William Hugh ("Bill") and one daughter, Sue Ann. Other residences followed in Salina, KS [hospital pharmacist at the former St. John’s Hospital], and as pharmacist for retail drugstores in Gower, MO and Richmond, MO. Then the family moved back to Salina, KS, and finally in 1974 Fergie and Jackie re-located to Clay Center, KS, realizing his lifelong dream: to own and operate Ferguson Rexall Drugs. Later he formed a lasting partnership with Jeff Mayo, also of Clay Center, from 1989 that has continued to this day. Fergie and Jackie were blessed to be happily married for nearly 59 years. The three children, 6 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild survive him. Fergie—a dutiful provider, loving husband, supportive dad, caring grand-dad and great-granddad will be sorely missed, but now has gained his heart’s one true desire: Eternal Peace in Heaven alongside his lifelong traveling companion and ever-loving wife, Jackie. He lived and loved to serve the public in his capacity as pharmacist and store-owner. He will be remembered by all he touched by his humor and quick wit, and kept a warm smile on his face even unto his dying days under hospice care. It is important to note that he appreciated the welcome he received while attending the United Methodist Church in Herington. God Bless You and Rest in Peace, Our Loving Dad [“Pops”] and Grand-dad. Survivors include: Sons: Irvin W. Gates Jr. of Marshall, TX and William H. Ferguson of Burien, WA Daughter: Sue Ann Wittman [ nee Ferguson] of Herington, KS Daughter-in-Law: Ann Gates, wife of Irvin. Son-in-law: Randy Wittman Grandchildren: Irvin William Gates & Brandy Armstrong; Elsa Ferguson; Jordan, Chris, and Sam Wittman. Great-Grandchild: Carson Allen Armstrong. There will be no respect calls. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 11am at the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home 918 7th Street, Clay Center, KS.