Richard Harlan Fergus was born on April 11, 1934 and passed away on April 7, 2021 at the age of 86. He was born to the late Claude Lawler and Helen Leona Curtis Fergus in Falls City, NE. Richard and his family moved to Bastrop, LA, in 1938 during the Great Depression and later relocated numerous times before settling in Iowa, LA, where he graduated from high school in 1951. Richard was valedictorian of his class and was awarded the 1951 American Legion Medal of Honor at Iowa High School. He then attended McNeese State University for two years before transferring to LSU where he received his BSCE degree in 1956. He became a licensed professional engineer and practiced structural and civil engineering in Baton Rouge for many years.
While at LSU he met and married the love of his life, Sarah Evelyn Whitley. Together they had five children. Their first child, Rick, died of cerebral meningitis at the age of six years. Their surviving children are Kathryn Fergus Gates, Michael Fergus (Joy), Linda Fergus, and Terri Fergus Procell (Scott). Richard and Sarah were blessed with eight grandchildren, Sarah Gates (Tim Byrne), William Gates (Ashley), Jill Andrews (Michael), Annie Brown (Tony), Eric Ponder, and Aubry, Whitley, and Brennan Procell; and two great-grandchildren, Jack and Jesse Brown. He is also survived by his brother, Donald Fergus; and sister-in-law, JoAnn Whitley. He is preceded in death by his parents; son; and son-in-law, Charles Gates.
Richard was a devoted father and became especially attuned to causes benefitting youth after the death of his son, Rick. He became a Bible teacher for teenage boys for several years, led a Y-Indian guide group in his home, and later spent seven years as an assistant scout master in Troop 72. He was a volunteer softball coach for boys’ BREC summer league and later coached his girls’ summer church league team.
Richard belonged to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Louisiana Engineering Society, the Mississippi Seniors Golf Association, and the Louisiana Seniors Golf Association. During retirement, Richard and Sarah traveled to many places in the US and other countries including Canada, Europe, China, New Zealand, Australia and more. They also enjoyed square dancing, and Richard was a duplicate bridge player, amateur golfer, and an avid reader.
Richard was rewarded with a long and extremely happy life filled with family and friends who loved him dearly. Those who knew Richard enjoyed his keen intellect, utmost integrity, and good nature. They are inspired by his unassuming life of service, and his generosity of money and time to vulnerable people. Richard’s wishes were to have a private burial. If you were a friend, teacher, playing partner, client, etc., may you be assured that Richard remembers you well and treasured your sharing life with him and his family. He will be greatly missed by all.
Richard will have a private graveside service on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 in Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Camp Smiling Acres, c/o Scotty Lee, 650 Dentation Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70808. Please visit www.greenoaksfunerals.com to leave condolences to the family.
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