Donald E. Ferry

Donald E. Ferry died peacefully on July 19, at home surrounded by his family. He was born in 1932, son of Garland and Mildred. Don was preceded in death by son, Tom, and is survived by wife, Peg; sons, Mark (Coleen) and Bruce (Lori); daughter, Lisa Hills (Mike); four grandchildren; brothers, Philip and Jack; sister, Rita; and several nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Springfield High School, attended Bradley University and earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois in 1956. In 1954, he married Peg and upon graduation, returned to Springfield to begin his career in architecture and raise a family.

In 1961, Don and E. W. Henderson founded the firm of Ferry and Henderson Architects. In 1983, he was awarded an American Institute of Architects Fellowship, a life-time achievement honor, by a jury of peers for his contributions to architecture based on his design accomplishments. Don was inducted into the Springfield High School Hall of Fame in 1985. He also served in several local civic organizations.

He established an endowment fund at the University of Illinois College of Architecture to recognize outstanding student achievement. At the time of Don’s death, he was in partnership with his son Bruce. His 56 year architectural career involved more than 600 building projects, many of which have been recognized by the American Institute of Architects at state and national levels for design excellence.

Those who knew him best will remember his love of a good joke, his dog, and his fishing stories (especially the one that got away).

Family services to be held at “The Point” in Wisconsin. Memorials may be made to: Purdue Veterinary Oncology – Bladder Cancer Study, 625 Harrison Street West Lafayette, IN 47906 or Douglas Avenue Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., Springfield, IL 62704.