John R. Ferguson

"Papa" John Robert Ferguson Jr. died of natural causes in the evening hours on Monday, June 8, 2015 at the age of 93. He was born on March 23, 1922 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He served honorably in the United States Navy from 1942-1945, during which he met the love of his life in Memphis, Tennessee.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Edith Ferguson; children, Gary and Coleen Ferguson, Vicki and Roy Deskin, Nancy and Eric Swanson, and Robert Ferguson and Kathia Wile; grandchildren, Chris and Paige Deskin, Emily and Josh Lukins, Jenny and Robert Nathanson, Travis Swanson and Liz Rinehart, JC Ferguson and Erin Patterson, Thomas Ferguson, Trent Rees, and Greg and Kimberly Rees; ever-loved great-grandchildren, Pearl, Maggie, and Tate Deskin, Georgia Ferguson, Clara Nathanson, Jaz Welch, and Dylan Rees.

He retired as an insurance agent and was a founding partner of Faded Blue Jeans Ministry, working tirelessly to assist inmates in finding faith and direction. He also loved woodworking and had boundless enthusiasm for the latest investment breakthrough. At most family gatherings, he would express amazement at the general success and wellbeing of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He would express equal amazement when reminded of his role in our combined happiness. John was a member of University Presbyterian Church since 1959, where he served as a ruling Elder and a Sunday school teacher for many of those years. He remained dedicated to his faith and adamant that his life's success was by the grace of the Lord, our God.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to:

Faded Blue Jeans Ministry

P.O. Box 3158

Austin, TX 78764-3158

Caritas of Austin

P.O. Box 1947

Austin, TX 78767-1947

Austin Habitat for Humanity

Attn: Development Department

310 Comal St., Ste 100

Austin, TX 78702

A Memorial Service is planned for Sunday, June 14th at 2pm at University Presbyterian Church 2203 San Antonio Street, Austin, TX 78705.