Lawrence Dale Ferguson, age 65
Of Carbondale and formerly of Willow Hill, IL passed away at 5:15 AM – Monday, April 23, 2012 at his home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM – Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Blake-Buchanan Funeral Home in Newton, IL. Burial will be in the Mound Cemetery in rural Willow Hill, IL with full military rites by the Ste. Marie Post #932 American Legion. Visitation will be held 5:00-8:00 PM – Friday, April 27, 2012 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to The Haven (recreational facility for Veterans and their families) 10289 Haven Lane Carbondale, IL 62901. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.blakefh.com.
Dale was born on October 24, 1946 in Paris, IL the son of Ivan D. and Charlene E. (Mahan) Ferguson.
Dale attended school in Jasper County and graduated from Newton Community High School in 1964.
In 1965, Dale enlisted in the United States Navy and was assigned to the VF 211. He made two cruises to Vietnam serving aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard and the USS Hancock. He achieved the rank of Aviation Electrician 2nd Class during his enlistment.
Dale met and married Deborah Watkins in Yuma, AZ in 1969 and they were bless with two children, Martin Mira.
Dale went to work for Marathon Oil Company in Robinson, IL in 1970 and was employed for 30 years, retiring in 2000.
Dale was very active in the Willow Hill, IL community for many years. He was the boy's baseball coach for many years as well a Village of Willow Hill trustee.
Dale enjoyed the sport of horseshoe pitching. He had the honor of sitting on the Executive board of Illinois Horseshoe pitching Association as the youth director. He was awarded the Henry Franke plaque for outstanding service to the ILSHPA.
Dale joined the Ste. Marie American Legion Post #932, becoming interested in Veterans Affairs and Rights. He had the opportunity to serve in many leadership positions throughout the American Legion.
Dale felt one the most rewarding things he did was to serve with his wife Debbie, in the position of caretakers of the Haven. The Haven is a recreational facility for Veterans and their families located on Crab Orchard Lake near Carbondale in Southern Illinois.
Dale is survived by:
Loving wife of 43 years – Debbie Ferguson of Carbondale, IL
Son – Marty Ferguson of Carbondale, IL
Daughter – Mira (Chris) Hemrich of Alma, IL
3 Granddaughters – Shelby, Shasta and Shania Hemrich.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, sister Shelia and
a granddaughter Shelia.