Obituary of William "Bill" McMasters Ferguson
William ”Bill” McMasters Ferguson, 88, of Morris was born June 21, 1930 and peacefully entered into eternal life on January 19, 2019.
Bill attended Morris schools and was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and Trustee. Bill honorably served in the United States Marine Corps in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He returned to Morris and worked as a special lineman for Commonwealth Edison, retiring in 1989 with 41 years of service. Bill was a devoted husband and ultimately a caregiver for his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth “Betty” L. Cryder. Bill played saxophone in an area band in his younger years. He enjoyed big band music and was often heard humming “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra. He was a member of the American Legion. For 12 years, Bill was a volunteer driver for Morris Hospital Patient Transportation buses. Bill and Betty enjoyed driving trips and a favorite spot was Pikes Peak in Colorado.
Bill most enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a proud grandpa and attended many, if not all, events and activities to support his grandchildren. For several years, the week in Michigan with all the kids was a highlight of the summer. His two young great-grandchildren brought a sparkle to his eyes.
Bill is survived by his wife Betty; his children: Teri (Mike) Brady, Karolee (Bill Handel) Ferguson, and Jack Ferguson; grandchildren: Ben Winsor and Andrea (Robin) Barker; Klaire Ferguson, Ella Ferguson and Laurie (fiancé Jim Anderson) Handel; Lauren (Dave) Yearwood, Tyler Ferguson and Jake Ferguson; great-grandchildren: Brieanne Yearwood and David M. Yearwood IV; brother: Russell (Ginger) Ferguson and sisters: Ruth Jackman and Nancy (Harold) Hanke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Ethyle Ferguson.
Visitation will be held 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Friday, January 25, 2019 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive in Morris. A Celebration of Life will be at First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Jackson Street in Morris on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with an hour of visitation prior to the service. Bill’s grandchildren are honorary pallbearers. Private inurnment will be held at a later date at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, Grundy Community Volunteer Hospice or Joliet Area Community Hospice.
Arrangements have been entrusted with the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 West U.S. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive in Morris. For further information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
