Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

John Lyle Ferguson, a resident of Bogalusa, passed away on June 20, 2021, at 74, after a 12-year struggle with ALS (“Lou Gehrig’s disease”). He was born in Beaumont, Texas, on May 1, 1947, and raised in Akron, Ohio, and Orange, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Jackson Ferguson of Bogalusa; daughter, Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson of Hammond; brother, Dr. Bill Ferguson of Waco, Texas; two sisters, Barbara (Jack) Gravel of Plymouth, Minn., and Emily (Bob) Kurzman of Austin, Texas; three step-sisters, Jorja (Bill) Davis of Marietta, Ga., Kelli (John) Rushing of Cary, N.C., and Shannon (Gerry) Drew of Belton, Texas; nephew, Stephen (Sadie) Gravel of Plymouth; niece, Becky (Michael) Oleksa of Long Lake, Minn.; three great-nieces; one great-nephew; and a number of step-nieces and step-nephews.

He was predeceased by father, Clancy Carlyle Ferguson; mother, Wilma Bonner Ferguson; and step-mother, Phyllis Ferguson.

John was a graduate of Lutcher Stark High School (class of 1965) in Orange, and Lamar University. He retired as a chemical and environmental engineer from Gaylord Chemical in Bogalusa.

He was a member of Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial United Methodist Church for 45 years. A faithful Christian, he served his church in many capacities and enjoyed fellowship with the Mustard Seed Sunday school class and United Methodist Men. He was a dedicated husband, father, brother, and friend.

John was active in the community, including Rotary International, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and Bogalusa Chamber of Commerce. He was named Bogalusa Citizen of the Year for 2002.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, target shooting and other outdoor activities. He held an Expert classification in NRA High Power Rifle competition.

The family would like to thank the many friends who have prayed for John throughout his illness, visited, sent cards, brought food, and helped in many ways; a number of caregivers, including long term caregivers Jan DeSoto and Lynn Creel, who so faithfully brightened John’s life; his doctors; and the nurses, aides, and staff of Southeast Home Health.

Visitation will be held at Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial United Methodist Church (510 Ave. B, Bogalusa) on Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. until the service at 2 p.m. The Rev. James Moore and the Rev. Barbara Einsel will officiate. Interment will follow at Ponemah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ESM United Methodist Church, the ALS Association, or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.