Harry Philip Ferguson Jr.

1930 - 2014

Harry Ferguson Obituary

Harry P. Ferguson, Jr.

Born: May 1, 1930

Died: July 13, 2014

Harry Phillip Ferguson, Jr., 84 of LaGrange Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2014. Born in Hinsdale Illinois, May 1, 1930, to Harry and Ethel Ferguson Harry lived much of his early life in LaGrange, Illinois.

At an early age, Harry accepted Christ and was baptized. Later in life, he redirected his faith as a deacon at Rock of Ages and then after moving to Flossmoor; Harry adopted New Faith Baptist Church International as his church home. He was mentored and accepted as a trustee of the church.

Harry attended Congress Park Grade School and while in 5th grade had a classmate who would later become his lifelong partner, Anna May Romanski. Harry attended and graduated from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange.

Passionate about understanding how things worked he had many interests, such as fly-fishing, ham radios, trains, balsa wood airplanes, boats, boat building, Sailing and just about anything mechanical. Most of Harry's early knowledge was based upon the disassembly of many household items.

Following his father's example, he was also a good baseball player who played first base. Harry ran cross-country and was a football player while at Lyons Township.

Harry studied agriculture for 2 years at University Of Illinois. He eventually enrolled in several technical schools for television and radio repair and various courses in the maintenance and operation of mechanical equipment.

Harry later married Anna Mae Romanski April 10, 1954, beginning a lifelong relationship that produced three children; Janine Karolyn Marshall of LaGrange, Illinois, Harry Phillip Ferguson III of Aurora, Illinois and Dr Robin Leigh Ferguson of Chicago, Illinois. Harry was extremely loving and proud of his three children.

Employed by a urethane foam company in McCook, Harry worked as the plant engineer and secured a patent for a mixing head that vastly improved the manufacturing of urethane foam. He also worked as plant engineer for Campbell's Soup and International Foam prior to becoming an entrepreneur. Harry spent several years pursuing his goal of running his own business. As with anything Harry did, there was no stopping until he succeeded. After many years, Harry established Ferguson's Systems a minority owned Business that specialized in metal fabrication. Harry's, unique skill set developed over many years as a plant engineer and as a young man, disassembling household items was the perfect fit for running a metal fabrication company that specialized in fabrication of plant equipment and the repair of tractor-trailers.

Harry's civic life was centered on his association with the NAACP, serving as president and many years as a board member. The major achievement of the NAACP during this period was the elimination of the "redlining" practices that existed in LaGrange allowing for equal housing. Harry was also active in Boy Scouts and a member of the LaGrange Community Memorial Hospital Board.

He has left precious and fond memories with; children Janine Karolyn Marshal, Harry Phillip Ferguson III and Robin Leigh Ferguson; grandchildren Jordon Alex Thornton-Marshall, Harry Phillip Ferguson IV, Brett Anthony Ferguson, Jarrett O.D. Ferguson, Jalen Alan Woods, and Justin Alexander Woods; Brother Michael Ferguson; Sister Phyllis Sublett; Sister in Law Mildred Romanski; Brother in Law Mitchell Stevens; Sister in Law Mattie Stevens; Brother in Law Leflorn Topps; a host of loving nephews and nieces and loving friend Dorothy Williams.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be given in Harry's and Anna's name to the National Pancreas Foundation 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 700 Bethesda, MD 20814 U.S.A.

pancreasfoundation.org/take-action/donate-to-npf/

Service was July 17, 2014, with the Wake and Repast starting at 10:00 am to 11:00 am , followed by the Funeral at 11:00am to 12:00 pm at the New Faith Baptist Church International. Followed immediately by Private Burial at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Published by Suburban Life Publications on Jul. 23, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Ferguson

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Harry Ferguson's name

Memorial Events
for Harry Ferguson

Jul

17

Wake

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

New Faith Baptist Church International.

IL

Jul

17

Funeral

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

New Faith Baptist Church International

IL

How to support Harry's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Harry Ferguson's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more