Robert Donald Ferguson

Robert Donald Ferguson, 73 passed at home on Nov 28, 2011 at 12:20 p.m., after a courageous, hard fought battle with cancer.

Don as he was known to everyone, was born in Woodsboro, Texas, May 28, 1938 to Helen Loretta Lynch and Roy Donald Ferguson, the eldest of three siblings; Alice Loretta and Daniel Patrick Ferguson.

Don joined the U.S. Army in Feb. ââ?¬Ë?55 and was discharged in Sept. of '55 for being underage. Undeterred by regulations and his enthusiasm to serve his nation, Don enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in Feb. ââ?¬Ë?56. Don had a varied and illustrious term of service ending in retirement, July 1975. Donââ?¬Ë?s various duty stations encompassed the following: a radio communications troop, served at Sculthorp UK. Toul-Rosiere France. Vietnam ââ?¬Ë?67-ââ?¬Ë?68, and ââ?¬Ë?69. Cannon, Vandenburg, Luke, and Kelly AFB. Retiring after a decorated 20 year career Don carried and shared his proud military service with his friends and family. Following the military Don went to work as an electrical engineer for companies such as Lockheed and NEC, in places around the United States and over seas such as Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Always interested in learning, Don was known for his thirst for knowledge. Don drank from the cup of life by reading history and working on the cutting edge of communications technology. Throughout his professional and personal life Don was very much known for his self assessed "warped" sense of humor and his super sonic wit that was noticeable by anyone who spent more than four minutes speaking with him.

Don is survived by his "Sweet Bride" Koleda Taladay Ferguson; six children and four step-children: Julie Lorretta Garner (Pete), Stuart Dale, Catherine Marie, Aaron James (Melanie), Suzanne Jo Poole (Russ) and William Nicholas (Crystal), James Patrick Jr. (Lucy), Frederick Patrick (Mary), Jonathan Scott Patrick (Hollie) and Jerry Wayne Patrick (Jheda); numerous grandchildren and one great grand daughter.

Don is also survived by his precious and much beloved bodyguard Pekinese "Gizmo Wink" Ferguson

There is a large family of friends from the Mountain View United Methodist Church that Don counted as close and trusted friends. The bonds that were developed enriched his life and allowed him to make and call Virginia home. A very special thanks and notice of appreciation must go to Michelle Heath with Johnston Memorial Home Health Care, Dr. Gary McClain with Abingdon Family Practice, Dr. Tisdale and the Johnston Memorial Radiation Department. Additional Thank you from the family must go to the Mountain State Hospice.

Don is predeceased by Roy Donald, Helen Loretta, Alice Loretta, first wife of 29 years who succumbed to cancer in 1989; Elizabeth Joan Veitch Ferguson, and his best friend and comrade, Jim Riffe. They formed a special bond immediately upon meeting in Abingdon.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Friday, December 2, 2011 at Mt. View United Methodist Church with Rev. Donald Thayer officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. View United Methodist Church Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and the Virginia National Guard Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Service on Thursday, December 1, 2011 from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, 1-800-227-2345.

The family of Robert Donald "Don" Ferguson is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276) 623-2700.