John William Ferguson

John William Ferguson, 86, of Wooster left his earthly home for heaven on March 16th, 2022, after a diagnosis of Lymphoma in July 2021.

He was born at Lodi Hospital, on November 24, 1935, to Paul V. and L. Russelle Ferguson.

John graduated from the newly consolidated Northwestern High School in 1953. He served as President and Vice President of his class.

After graduation, John attended The Ohio State University, where he received a two-year degree in Dairy Science. This prepared him to purchase a 167-acre farm near West Salem and milk his herd of Ayrshire and Holstein cows. Farming and animals were John’s passion.

On May 18, 1957, he married the “love of his life” (his words) Marilyn Joy Badour. They gave life to four beloved children, who survive and have been his rock, John D. (Donna) Ferguson of Ashland, Laurie L. Buehler of Wooster, Thomas W. (Julie) Ferguson of West Salem and Angela Joy (Rodney) Reich of Apple Creek.

After farming for twelve years, John became an insurance adjuster for the Western Reserve Group in Wooster, Ohio. He eventually became the owner of the Dilgard Insurance Agency in Ashland, which his sons own today.

He was a lifetime, dedicated member of the Congress Community Church where he taught adult Sunday School classes for thirty years as well as Bible Study classes. He served on the Board of Control as a member and President. He also served on many Pastor search committees. He was proud of his Scottish/Presbyterian heritage with five generations of Fergusons living and farming in Wayne County and attending the Congress Church.

He was a founding, sixty-year member of Farm Bureau Council, Northwest 20, a member of West Salem Masonic Lodge 398, a charter member of the Northwestern Ruritan Club, past President of the Northwestern Athletic Boosters Club, a ten-year member of the Congress Grow and Show 4-H Club. He served as advisor to the Club for another ten years.

John’s hobby was the sport of Brace Beagling. He enjoyed this as a member of the Northern Ohio Beagle Club near West Salem for fifty years. He served as the President for twenty-five years and contributed much sweat equity to the growth of the organization. He was well respected among his fellow Beaglers. He finished many Field Champions.

John and Marilyn were blessed to spend fifteen winters in their vacation home in Bonita Springs, Florida. They made many new, dear friends there. John enjoyed playing Bocce Ball, shuffle-board, Bingo, cards with friends and riding his bike to the river to watch the manatees. He also assisted Marilyn in running the IBE Park Sunday night church services for five years.

John believed that life and family were gifts from God, and he cherished them. He served his Lord, Jesus, well.

In addition to his children, he is survived by his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved to listen to his exciting, detailed stories, Stephen Ferguson, Ashley Ferguson, Adrianne (Michael) Vincent, Brandon (Elaine) Buehler, Brian Buehler, Eric Buehler, Tiffany (Justin) Kelling, Alyssa (Steve) Obertanec, Janelle Ferguson, Hunter Reich, Connor Reich and Parker Reich, “Greats” Gabriel Pelfrey, Lily Kelling, Blake Kelling, Emma Buehler and Johnny Obertanec. They were his blessings.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by sisters; Alice Wiles, Doris Oakey, Ruth Knight and brothers; Harold (infant) Ferguson and Paul R. Ferguson. Also, son-in-law Bob Buehler whom he loved very much.

Funeral Service will be Sunday, March 20, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Congress Community Church with Pastors Tadd Sponseller & Chris Cottrel officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:00 prior to the service, at the church. Burial will be in Congress Cemetery. Matteson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memorial gifts in John’s name may be sent to Congress Community Church (10691 Franchester Rd. West Salem, OH 44287) or LifeCare Hospice (1900 Akron Rd Wooster, OH 44691). If you have a memory or photo to share of John, please do so at the funeral home’s website at mattesonfh.com.