Edward Kenneth "Ken" Ferguson

Edward Kenneth “Ken” Ferguson, 69, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 5, 2025, after a brief illness. Ken was born in New Orleans on September 14, 1956, to the late Dr. Edward Bernard Ferguson and Marjorie Clarke Ferguson. He was also preceded in death by his brother John Ferguson.

Ken attended Trinity Episcopal School and Isidore Newman High School and graduated from Southwestern College (now Rhodes College) in Memphis, Tennessee. He received two bachelors’ degrees (History and Political Science). It was during this time in Memphis when Ken truly discovered his love of entertainment. He began performing comic sketches for the college radio station, acting on stage, and entertaining in comedy clubs and at conventions.

As a true Renaissance man, loving knowledge for its own sake, he immersed himself in various activities. He was an actor, comedian, impressionist, trivia enthusiast, history buff, and competitive ‘Expert’ chess player. His cousin Ted taught him chess at a very young age. After Ken returned from college they played chess almost every week right up to his hospitalization. Ken became an expert player then a chess instructor for schools and individual students. He was also an attentive and kind godfather.

Ken was a member of Paul Morphy Chess Club, the Bienville Club, and several Carnival organizations including Bacchus. He was a charter member of the Legion of Mars krewe and was an iconic figure at the annual ball. It can neither be confirmed nor denied that he was a charter member of Le Krewe d’Etat and one who greatly contributed to the humorous satirical themes and floats. It is rumored that he was d’Etat Dictator in 2009, but that also cannot be either confirmed or denied.

Ken was a regular contributor to the talk shows on WGSO 990AM radio and member of the radio station’s board of directors. He was enthusiastically involved in local historic preservation efforts and in assisting military veterans. Those fortunate enough to know Ken personally found in him a kind, humble, intelligent, and loyal friend. Ken’s wit and humor always brought smiles to all. He was a source of lighthearted joy. Ken was a talented raconteur who would often regale his friends with his wit, his ability to speak on any subject, his animated anecdotes, and his ability to impersonate virtually any voice.

Ken was a trivia buff who regularly won local trivia night contests at the Deutsches Haus, the Crown and Anchor, Finn McCool’s, and Martine’s.

Ken leaves behind two dogs, Joseph and Mrs. Bojangles, as well as many loving friends. Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11 AM at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church (3368 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119). Visitation will be from 9-11 AM at the church. Burial will be at Lake Lawn Metairie.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following non-profit organizations which Ken participated in over the years:

www.prytaniavet.com (Prytania Veterinary Hospital)

www.wgso.com (WGSO radio)

www.monumetaltask.org (Monumental Task Committee)

www.releema.org (R. E. Lee Monumental Association)

www.marsherofund.org (Legion of Mars Hero Fund)

www.ltrrtl.org (Le Krewe d’Etat Community Foundation)