John Merril Ferguson, 80, of Niota, Illinois, passed away at 6:55 a.m. Thursday, November 30, 2023, at River Hills Village in Keokuk, Iowa.
He was born on October 30, 1943, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Merrill A. and Hazel R. (Schneider) Ferguson. On July 10, 1965, he married Nancy Eichhorn in Carthage, Illinois.
John was a graduate of Nauvoo High School. He served in the United States Army. He was a lifelong farmer and retired from Wal-Mart transportation, where he drove a total of 1.5 million safety miles. John was a member of Appanoose Faith Presbyterian Church where he had served as an elder and committee members. John lived his faith in every aspect of his life. He was also a member of the Nauvoo American Legion. First and foremost he loved his family. He enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, nascar races, attending rodeos, and he was very proud of being a veteran. John was a very kind and humble man and always has a smile on his face.
He is survived by his wife: Nancy; one son: Jeff (Vicky) Ferguson of Niota, Illinois; two daughters: Jenni Ferguson of Carthage, Illinois, Jessica (David) Griffiths of Colusa, Illinois; grandchildren: Ryan (Bria) Boddeker, Megan (Dan Hardy) Boddeker, Jeremy (Aerial) Ferguson, Jonathan Ferguson, Joshua Ferguson, Zachary (Sydney) Six, Jenna Ferguson, Tatum Griffiths, Mia Griffiths; seven great grandchildren: Jaxson, Colson, Jonah, Jade, Charlie Kay, Payton, Beck; sisters: Martha Murphy and Harriett Ferguson and multiple nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters: Jane Engelbrecht, Mary Schneider, Kathryn Greenslaugh - Schmitz, Julia Randall and one brother: Howard Ferguson.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 4, 2023, at Appanoose Faith Presbyterian Church, rural Niota, Illinois.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 4, 2023, at Appanoose Faith Presbyterian Church in rural Niota with Pastor David Poland officiating.
Burial will be in the Appanoose Cemetery, rural Niota with full military rites presented by the Hancock County Honor Guard.
Memorials have been established in his memory for Appanoose Church or the Niota Fire Department.
On-line condolences may be made to the family at sbbfuneralhome@gmail.com. Schmitz - Banks and Beals Funeral Home of Nauvoo is assisting the family with arrangements.
