Obituary of Robert E Ferguson

CARTHAGE – Robert Earl Ferguson, 91, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2019 at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, New York.

Robert was born on September 26, 1927 in Herrings, New York, a son of the late Herbert and Elizabeth (Keller) Ferguson.  He attended West Carthage High School. 

In 1945, at the young age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy under a program called the ‘Kiddie Cruise’, serving a three-year enlistment rather than four and getting out of the service before the age of 21.

During his time in the Navy he served in Japan on the USS Iowa Battleship.  He then served on the USS Prairie Auxillary Destroyer, followed by the China Mothership before being transferred in China to the USS Turner-Destroyer.  He earned a WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre Campaign Ribbon, and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon. In 1948, he was honorably discharged from the Navy in San Francisco.  In the same year, he re-enlisted in the United States Navy and remained in the active reserves until 1953.

On December 30, 1950 he married Jeanette Crowner at the Methodist Church in Philadelphia, New York. 

He went on to work at St. Regis Paper Mill from 1950-1987, retiring as Tower Boss.  He also delivered newspapers with his wife for the Watertown Daily Times from 1986 until 2009. 

Robert will be remembered as the great father that he was and the one that could fix anything.  He enjoyed making friends and watching baseball, football and racing.  He was also an avid outdoorsman who spent time hunting and fishing in his younger years.    

Robert is survived by twin sons, Lou Ferguson of Watertown, NY and Robert Ferguson II of SpringHill, FL; two daughters, Margaret (Jeffrey) More of Calcium, NY; Dawn Ferguson of Black River, NY; a brother, Ronald Ferguson of Harrisville, NY; and four grandchildren, Zachary and Joshua Ferguson of Carthage, NY; Dylan More of Calcium, NY; and Robert Ferguson III of Springhill, FL.  He is predeceased by his wife Jeanette, who passed away on March 4, 2004 as well as a brother, Harlow Ferguson who died in January of 2018. 

At this time, no public services will be held.  A graveside service will be held in the spring at Evans Mills Cemetery.

Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society local chapter, 6725 Lyons St, East Syracuse, NY 13057.

Condolences may be made online at www.lundyfuneralhome.com.

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