LAVALE EUGENE “GENE” FERGUSON
Lavale Eugene “Gene” Ferguson, 79, of Holden, MO, passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, MO.
Gene was born on November 9, 1941 in Kansas City, MO, the son of Roe Lavale and Mildred Louise (Stock) Ferguson.
Gene grew up in Strasburg, MO and attended Strasburg Elementary School.
During his senior year of high school, Gene owned and operated a restaurant in Strasburg where he was known as “Cookie.”
He graduated from Kingsville High School in 1959.
After graduation Gene attended Chiropractic School in Kansas City.
During the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country for four years before being honorably discharged in 1968.
After leaving the Air Force, Gene worked for the United States Postal Service in downtown Kansas City for four years.
In 1971, Gene, along with his parents, opened Ferguson’s Floral Shop and Greenhouse in Holden until 2007 when he retired.
After retiring, Gene worked part-time for Dan Cast at the Ben Cast & Son-Wood Funeral Home in Holden and continued to work for Joe and Cyndi Campbell at Campbell-Cast Funeral Home until the time of his passing.
Gene moved from Strasburg to Holden in 1974, making Holden his home for 46 years.
Gene enjoyed playing Pitch with his monthly card group and playing cards and spending time with friends at the Holden Senior Center.
Gene’s favorite thing was to spend time with his family and he most especially enjoyed going to his nephews and great-nieces’ sporting events throughout the years.
He was a member of the Strasburg Union Church and an active Song Leader.
Gene is survived by his sister, Debbie (Ferguson) Dean of Holden, MO; six nephews, Joe Spies, Matthew Sheehan, James Sheehan, Daniel (Mary Ann) Spies, Robert (Amber) Sheehan, Michael Dean; five great-nieces, Rhiannon, Ryleigh, Delaney, MaKayla and Madison; two great-nephews, Langstn and Mason; many other family members and friends; as well as his extended family at Campbell-Cast Funeral Home.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Roe Lavale and Mildred Louise (Stock) Ferguson; two sisters, Gwylyn (Ferguson) Sheehan and Sheila (Ferguson) Spies.
An open viewing for family and friends was held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at the Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, 407 S. Pine, Holden, MO.
Graveside Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the Strasburg Cemetery (Hwy CC), south of Strasburg, MO with Reverend David Hackett officiating. Military Honors will be performed by the Holden American Legion, Post #90 and Holden VFW Post 5844.
Pallbearers will be Joe Spies, Matthew Sheehan, James Sheehan, Daniel Spies, Robert Sheehan and Michael Dean.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Strasburg Cemetery or Strasburg Union Church.
Online condolences may be made at www.castfuneralhome.com. Services entrusted to Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, Holden, MO.
