Travis Dale Ferguson

Travis Dale Ferguson , age 87, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 24, 2011. He was born on April 12, 1924, in Golden, Texas, the son of the late James Thomas and Alma Amanda Morse Ferguson. He graduated from Carlisle High School in 1942. He was a member of the first graduating class of LeTourneauTechnical Institute now known as LeTourneauUniversity in 1948 in Longview, Texas. Travis married Flora Belle Carpenter of Arp, Texas, on October 31, 1944. Mr. Fergusonenlisted inthe United States Navy at the age of 18 during World War II serving in the Battle of the Atlantic, the European Theatre, and the North African Campaign. One of duties he had as a Naval Petty Officer included that of a signalman using semaphores. Hewas later called to serve his Country again during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan at the Naval Base at Yokohama. He worked at LeTourneau Technologies from 1946 until 1954. He was later employed at Lone Star Steel from 1954 until his retirement in 1986. A long-time member of Longview First Assembly of God Church and Spring Hill Assembly of God Church, he served in numerous capacities at the church including Deacon and Sunday School teacher. Mr. Ferguson was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Flora Carpenter Ferguson, by all his brothers and sisters; by his daughter Amanda Susan Ferguson Wingerd, and by his great grandson James Darcy Wingerd. He is survived by five children and their families including his wife, Betty Ferguson, who he married in 2001: Jim Ferguson, wife, Jessica, and children Brian and Chaney Ferguson of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Thomas Lynn Ferguson, wife, Cindy, and their children James , Sommer, Skye and Story Ferguson of Carrollton, Texas; Janet Ferguson Traylor, husband, Gary, children Matthew, Caroline, Lucas, and Rebecca Traylor of Dallas, Texas; Deborah Carol Ferguson, and her son, Burton L. Wilson III "Trey"; Samuel C. Ferguson, wife, Lisa, children Jennifer, Olivia and Levi Ferguson of Longview; four grandsons from deceased daughter Amanda Susan Ferguson Wingerd: Zachary, Taylor Pierce and Lincoln Wingerd; and 3 great grandchildrenJoshuaWingerd, JoanthanWingerd, and Caleb Mark Wingerd. All of the grandsons will beserving as pallbearers. He will be greatly missed by all. The Family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Monday evening, December 26, 2011, at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: Dallas TeenLife Challenge PO Box 181794 Dallas TX 75218. Funeral services for Mr. Ferguson are to be held at 1:00p.m., Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at Longview First Assembly in Longview, 2900 Fourth Street, with Rev. Paul Ecker officiating. Interment will follow in the Golden Cemetery in Golden, Texas with services under the direction of Rader Funeral Home in Longview.

Travis Dale Ferguson

April 12, 1924 - December 24, 2011