Eugene L. Ferguson

Eugene L. "Gene" Ferguson, 73, of rural Mound Valley, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at his home with his loving wife, Darlene, by his side and surrounded by his family.

Gene was born on October 29, 1950, to Fred and Bessie (Berndt) Ferguson in Parsons, Kansas.  He grew up on a farm near Mound Valley with his older sister, Barbara, and younger brother, Jerry.  He attended Labette County Community High School, where he met his future wife, Darlene Dick.  After graduating from high school in 1968, Gene attended Wichita State University. He graduated Cum Laude in 1972 with a degree in Finance and Economics.

On May 23, 1970, Gene and Darlene were united in marriage at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Parsons.  The couple lived in Wichita until Gene felt the call to return to the family farm.  In 1974, the couple moved back to the family farm near Mound Valley.  He farmed with Darlene by his side until his stroke in 2019.

He attended Mother of God Catholic Church in Oswego.  He was a long-time member of the National Farmers Organization, holding local and state offices.  In earlier years, he was a member of the Mound Valley Booster Club.

A "John Deere" farmer, Gene was featured in a John Deere advertising campaign in the fall of 1998.  He was a NASCAR fan and loved his weekends at Texas Motor Speedway with family.  He was a car buff and could still tell you what cars his friends drove in high school.  His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially when they all came to the farm.

Survivors include:

His wife of 54 years – Darlene of the home

One son – Chad Ferguson and his wife, Dennille, of Mansfield, Texas

One daughter – Kelly Gerstenkorn and her husband, Jason, of Wichita, Kansas

Five grandchildren – Evie Ferguson, Brady Ferguson, Ben Gerstenkorn, Paige Gerstenkorn, and Kate Gerstenkorn

His mother – Bessie Ferguson of Mound Valley, Kansas

One brother – Jerry Ferguson and his wife, Leslie, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins

He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Ferguson, and his sister, Barbara Burnett.

The funeral Mass will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Mother of God Catholic Church in Oswego.  Burial will follow at Mound Valley Cemetery in Mound Valley.  The rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m., Friday, at Mother of God Catholic Church, and the family will receive friends following the rosary.

Memorials are suggested to The 506 Foundation, Inc. to benefit the Class of 1968 Scholarship Fund.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.