Ralph Russell Ferguson

Ralph R. Ferguson, 92, of Overland Park, stepped into the presence of his Heavenly Father surrounded and comforted by his wife and daughter at Kansas City Hospice Home. He was born March 3, 1928, in rural Cherokee County Kansas to Chesley and Maude (Davolt) Ferguson.

He retired as Captain from the Overland Park Fire Station after 27 years of service. During his early years, he worked for the Rock Island Railroad learning morse code and keeping accurate time and ledgers at his appointed depot. After retirement, he enjoyed managing the tour bus line at Kincaid Coach traveling the United States. He also drove for England Bus Tours.

He and Arzella (Thompson) met while working in Greensburg, Kansas. They married November 4, 1947. They resided in several rural towns in Kansas as they began their family. While living in Bloom, Ralph continued his studies earning his high school diploma in 1956. Upon graduating, Ralph drove a school bus and together he and Arzella chaperoned their senior class to Mexico City where many fond memories were made and lifelong friendships forged. That same year Ralph and Arzella attended a church where they received Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

In 1959, the family moved to Overland Park, Kansas, where Ralph drove a school bus, managed a laundry mat and later, volunteered at the Elmhurst Fire Station before officially beginning his career as a Fire Fighter with the Overland Park Fire Station.

Ralph was an active member of the Overland park Baptist Temple and served as head usher and sang with the choir for a season. Congregants of all ages quickly smile when they recall their bus rides to church camp or ski trips with Ralph behind the wheel.

Ralph enjoyed a variety of hobbies and always had a project on his mind. One activity that he and Arzella were fond of was RV camping. For many years, they would winter in Texas, often stopping to stay with their son, Russell, and his family doing building projects together. He also enjoyed fishing, grilling, listening to old gospel hymns and tinkering. He never knew a stranger and his family and neighbors were often blessed by his delicious BBQ’s and stories on the patio.

Ralph will be remembered by many as a faithful husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal friend and devoted follower of Christ.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Arzella Mae; his son, Michael and wife Linnette of Independence, MO; his daughter Carol Ann Yeamans and husband Dennis of Linn Valley, KS; his son Russell (Karen Budd) of Hondo, TX; two sister-in-laws, Norma Ferguson of Altamont, KS and Janet Ferguson of Winooski, Vermont; five grandchildren, Amber Blumer (Michael), Erica Ferguson of Overland Park, KS, Rebecca Reddell of Thornton, CO, Eric Budd of Victoria, Australia and Brandi Budd of San Antonio, TX; 8 great grandchildren, Lydia Blumer, Amelia Blumer, Matthew Ferguson, Makayla Ferguson, Brooklyn Hawthorne, Tristan Budd, Michael Budd and Skye Quintero; and numerous nephews, nieces, extended family members and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Carl, Clifford, Ellis, Ray, LG “Bill”, Elmer and Dale, and sisters, Freda Johnson and Letha Snow.

A private graveside service will be held at Mount Moriah. A celebration of life for all his friends and family will be held at a later date.

The family requests no flowers. Memorials are suggested to his church Overland Park Baptist Temple, 11648 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210.