Carl Calvin Ferguson

Carl Calvin Ferguson, 93, died Sunday, August 1st, 2021, at his home in Kansas City, Kansas. He was born on November 3rd, 1927, in Lowry City, Missouri, where he grew up on his family’s farm. After graduating from Lowry City High School in 1945, he joined the army, serving in Hawaii for 13 months. He enjoyed his time there, and even got to travel through the Panama Canal. In 1950, he was recalled to fight in Korea, where he was wounded when a grenade thrown by a fellow soldier rolled back toward them and exploded. He was awarded a Purple Heart and returned to his hometown.

He reconnected with a childhood acquaintance, Lillis Biles, who was divorced and had a young daughter, Kay. Carl and Lillis were married at the Lowry City Baptist Church on October 9th, 1955, and moved to KCK shortly after. Carl worked for General Motors before joining the KCK Fire Department, where he served for 26 years. In 1962, he formally adopted Kay, although he had been her “real dad” from the time they met.

Carl and Lillis were founding members of the Wyandotte Baptist Church, which Carl helped build - literally and figuratively - serving as a deacon and treasurer. Later, they joined Judson Baptist Church, where he remained active until the COVID pandemic hit.

After Carl retired in 1987, he and Lillis settled into a life of leisure in Piper, where he always had a project going in the garage. He was known for his skill at building and fixing almost anything, as well as many acts of kindness. Friends would wake up on winter mornings to discover the snow had mysteriously been cleared from their driveways (coincidentally, Carl had a plow on his truck). He made sure there was always enough money for everyone to get by. In fact, we’re almost convinced he hung on until the first of the month so he knew his checks would be in the bank. He never stopped taking care of his family.

Carl’s kindness was matched only by his orneriness. Sitting next to him at dinner was risky - you might return from the buffet to find your silverware missing or your drink on the other side of the table. If ice was nearby, it would invariably perk up a handshake or get dropped down someone’s back. Carl had the world’s worst poker face, and his claims of innocence were accompanied by a grin that always told the truth. Needless to say, he had a great rapport with children, making him the fun dad and grandpa in any situation.

Carl loved westerns, old-time country and bluegrass, camping trips in his RV, oatmeal raisin cookies, professional wrestling, “Wheel of Fortune,” butter pecan ice cream, word search puzzles, and Steve Harvey hosting “Family Feud.” Most of all, he loved Lillis, and the family she brought into his life. After her death in 2013, his devotion never wavered. He’s with his “lovely lady” again, and Heaven just got a lot happier.

Besides Lillis, Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Anna Daugherty Ferguson, brother George Ferguson, sister Fannie Robbins, and nephew Carl Robbins. He is survived by his daughter and primary caregiver, Kay Huddleston, of the home; granddaughter Loey Lockerby of KCK; grandson David Lockerby and his partner, Tabitha Weiss, of Houston Lake; great-grandson Riley Lockerby of Parkville; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He also leaves many treasured friends and informally-adopted family. Special thanks to all the wonderful health care and hospice workers who looked after him. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 8, 2021 from 6-9 pm at Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112. Graveside Service will be Monday, August 9, 2021 at 10:00 am at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorial Contributions may be made in Carl's honor to Heart of America Home Health Care, 10940 Parallel Parkway, Suite K200, Kansas City, Kansas 66109 or Amedisys Hospice, www.amedisys.com.