J. P. Ferguson

J.P. Ferguson, aged 86, of Gore, Oklahoma, passed away on December 8, 2024, in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was born on January 11, 1938, in Gore, Oklahoma, to Frances Marie (Allen) Ferguson and Howell Bryant Ferguson.

J.P. was married to Lucy (Thomas) Ferguson on November 6, 1959, in Poteau, Oklahoma. Lucy preceded him in death on February 4, 2016. 

J.P. dedicated 33 years of his life to working for Gore Public Schools, where he served as the maintenance director and also drove the school bus. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and was an active member of Notchietown Baptist Church. For many years, J.P. served as the music director, where he shared his love for music and played an integral role in the worship community. His commitment extended beyond music; he also took great care of the church building and lawn, ensuring that it was a welcoming place for all who visited. He was an avid gardener, known especially for raising a large garden that yielded plentiful vegetables, and he enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with his family and friends. 

J.P. had a profound love for nature, often finding joy in the simple pleasures of life such as sunrises and sunsets, green trees, and the ever-changing clouds. His passion for the outdoors was reflected in his deep conversations and enthusiasm for sharing stories. He never met a stranger and had the unique ability to engage anyone in conversation, making them feel valued and heard.

His family includes four daughters, Debbie Dick and Jackie of Gore, OK, Jayne Dornan and Jeff of Gore, OK, Ima Brewer of Pensacola, FL and June Birdtail and George of Pooler, GA. He was the beloved grandfather to 10 grandchildren, Rachel Pruitt, Nathan Ferguson, Amanda Dandridge, Donna Slawson, Tracy Lynch, Melissa Noel, Tonya Birdtail, Lynette Dause, James Johnson, and Stephen Smith; and three great-grandchildren, Annika Pruitt, Eleanor Dandridge, and Natalie Dandridge; and numerous great-great-grandchildren.

J.P. is also survived by four sisters, Gladys Rooks of Sapulpa, OK, Elsie Johnson of Vian, OK, Zelma Virostko of Gore, OK and Velma Henry of Sallisaw, OK. His brother, Tex Ferguson, also resides in Gore, OK. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy; two daughters, Carol Rosson and Carma Brown; his parents; one granddaughter, Tina Rachelle Marshall; one great-grandson, Curtis Slawson; two sisters, Virginia McDonald and Helen Rodden; and four brothers, H.B. Ferguson, Roy Lee Ferguson, Paul Edward Ferguson and James Robert Ferguson.

Viewing for J.P. Ferguson will be held on December 12, 2024, from Noon to 8 PM at Agent Millsap Event Center in Gore, OK, where family will greet visitors from 6 to 8 PM. The funeral service will take place at 9:30 AM on December 13, 2024, at Notchietown Baptist Church in Gore, followed by burial at 11:00 AM at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, under the guidance of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc. 

Active Pallbearers will be Walter Evans, Larry Chappell, Winford Brown, Rick Spears, George Birdtail and Larry Kindrick. 

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jackie Dick, Jeff Dornan, Tex Ferguson, Charles Bennett and Mutt Cantwell.