Robert Louis Ferguson

Robert Louis Ferguson, 82, of Ozark, went home to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 3, 2018. Robert was born January 10, 1936 in Atkins to Luna Aline Higgins-Ferguson and William Henry Ferguson. He was the last surviving child of 12 siblings. Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953. He served in the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1956 as an E4. In life, Robert was a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved nothing more than his family. He would talk about his kids and grandkids at every available opportunity to anyone who would listen. Robert was never known to shy away from hard work, or a hearty home-cooked meal. A cattle farmer for decades, he also worked at Harding Glass in Fort Smith for twenty years, and nearly another twenty at Arkansas Western Gas Company before retiring in 1998. Robert was a devout Christian. Every Sunday he attended First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Ozark. As a member of the church he served many roles including: elder, Sunday school teacher, board member, board chairman, property chairman. He was also a trustee for Harmon Cemetery and was a founding member of the Ozark, Altus Council of Churches. He also appreciated the beauty of old rural churches. He also watched Jeopardy! religiously. Robert was an avid reader, gardener, and pecan pie maker. He enjoyed feeding and watching the variety of bird species that would visit the backyard. He would often say that watching the birds was more entertaining than anything on the television. He was one to enjoy the finer things that Arkansas has to offer; that being Arkansas’ fruit season. He would make his rounds throughout the summer for strawberries, peaches, wild blackberries, blueberries, and plums to eat fresh, freeze, and to make jelly. His infamous pastime. For many years during the summer he made jelly with his wife and grandkids which they would later share with family, neighbors, and the church. If you ever played cards with Robert, you always hoped to be his partner because he would always say with a smile, “I hope you’re ready, I play for blood!” Robert is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Delilah Jane Ferguson. The two wed on August 30, 1957. Robert is survived by four daughters; Tonya Komp (Michael) of Ozark; Laura Ricketts (James), of Charleston; Shelly Wilson (Larry) of Etna; Jimmie Fredericks (Matthew) of Scranton; 11 grandchildren: Branef, Matthew, Bill, Amanda, Michael, Maegan, Karen, Patricia, Heather, Brandon, Tyler; 7 great-grandchildren: Brady, Evan, Mason, Sophia, Taylor, Emma, Addy Mae; and many friends and loved ones. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 5 from 5-7 p.m. at Shaffer Funeral Home located at 2315 W. Commercial Street. A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 6 at the First Christian Church on N. 5th Street with a burial following at Harmon Cemetery. In life, Robert was dedicated to his church and a long-time supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Christian Church, Ozark or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave online condolences for the family visit: www.shafferfuneralhomeweb.com

Robert Louis Ferguson

January 10, 1936 - July 3, 2018