Kel was born in Douglas, Texas, as a 6th generation Texan, and raised in Port Arthur by his mother Flora Porter Ferguson, and father Marion E. Ferguson. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and later got his Bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, where he met the love of his life Betty Sue King. He obtained his Master's degree from University of North Texas and his PhD from University of Iowa Medical School.
Kelton was best known for his astonishing career with NASA from 1967 to 1987 as the Deputy Chief of Medical Operations and the Director of the Health Stabilization Program. After 20 years and countless career accomplishments, he became a consultant for various NASA contractors. After retiring from NASA, he settled in Tyler, Texas where he taught Environmental Science as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Texas at Tyler.
His hobbies included fishing, deer hunting, spending time with his grandchildren as a Papa, reading books, watching old Westerns on the television, playing Texas 42, and grilling ribs and steaks.
Kel is survived by his wife of 68 years Betty King Ferguson; his son King Ferguson (Debbie); and his daughter Kathy Stafford (Don); his brother Milton Ferguson (Mary); his grandson Dustin Ferguson (Brandy), his granddaughter Kirstyn Readman (Andrew), his grandson Conner Stafford (Victoria), his grandson Aaron Stafford (Briar) and his great-grandson Jackson Readman.
A visitation for Kel will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home - Champion, 3410 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX 77068. A celebration of life will occur Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Cypress Methodist Church, 13403 Cypress North Houston Rd, Cypress, TX 77429.
