Nolan Dell Ferre

Nolan Ferre, 82, of Ontario, California, passed away in his home in the care of his loving family on January 19th, 2025. Nolan was born on May 4th, 1942, and grew up on the family farm in Provo, UT with his parents and four siblings. He is survived by his children Wayde (Lena), Nolan (Jill), and Karen (Norbert); his six grandchildren; and his eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Norma Ferre; his brother, Paul Ferre; and his wife, Sherilyn Ferre.

After graduating from Orem High School in 1960, Nolan served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Sherry, with whom he shared many wonderful years. After leaving the U.S. Air Force, Nolan worked for Southern California Edison for 30 years, during which two of his three children were adopted (Nolan in 1967 and Karen in 1969); Wayde was later fostered in 1974. He, along with his wife, were active members of the Upland First Church of the Nazarene. Nolan, a dependable man of faith, served as an usher during church services and was elected to serve on the church’s board multiple times, as well as the building and grounds committee.

During his children’s teen years, he acted as the interim-youth pastor during a period when the church did not have anyone to fill this position. The many hats Nolan wore during this time, allowed him to be a bus driver, sports coordinator, chaperone, and, ultimately, a role model for many teens throughout the years. It was not uncommon for Nolan to take the youth group on a last-minute trip to the mountains nearby for the occasional snow day. Once his children were older, he took a more active role in the church’s “Work and Witness” program, and successfully coordinated trips to Peru, to Africa, to Brazil, and to several places in the U.S.. In total, Nolan and Sherry coordinated over fifty “Work and Witness” trips since 1987. He and his wife later became members of the Ontario First Church of the Nazarene, where they remained active with their new church family.

Nolan had a lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, and adventure, often sharing his knowledge and skills with family and friends. From the family’s annual deer hunts to the fishing trips his grandsons would later join him on, he found solace and excitement in nature. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication to his loved ones. Nolan’s legacy and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held at Ontario First Church of the Nazarene on March 8th at 11:00 AM, with a reception in the church’s Fellowship Hall from 12:00-2:00 PM to follow.