John W. Ferrell

John William Ferrell, 88, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, surrounded by family at McPherson Hospital. He was an educator and administrator at Central Christian College, McPherson.

John was born on March 4, 1930, in Dallas, TX, the son of Benjamin Franklin Ferrell, Sr. and Winnie J. (Leach) Ferrell. He received his Associate Degree from Central Christian College, a Bachelor’s Degree from McPherson College, and a Master’s Degree from Seattle Pacific University. John was united in marriage to Claudine May Ludwick on July 16, 1949, in Wichita, KS. She preceded him in death on January 17, 2013.

He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War Era.

John was a member of the McPherson Free Methodist Church where he was chairman for the Finance Committee and the Facilities Planning Committee. He was past president of the McPherson Rotary Club, director and founding board member of the McPherson Scottish Festival and co-founder of the Highland Games, chairman of the board at McPherson Family Life Center, served on the board of Oakdale Christian Academy in Jackson, KY, and served on the board of directors at The Cedars. He was the “Hometown Hero” in 2002 by McPherson County United Way and McPherson Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors include: son, David Ferrell (Linda) of McPherson, KS; daughter, Rebecca Jo Ferrell Nickel (David) of Indianapolis, IN; six grandchildren, Amy Ferrell of Longmont, CO, Matthew Ferrell (Jennifer) of Colorado Springs, CO, Paul Ferrell of Arcata, CA, Sarah Ouren (Cole) of Colorado Springs, CO, Austin Christian Ferrell Nickel of Denver, CO, and Emma Jo Ferrell Nickel of Indianapolis, IN; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, step-mother, Laura “Mumsie” Gillespie Ferrell, sister, Frances Dixon, and brother, B.F. Ferrell, Jr.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Sunday, March 17, 2019, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, March 18, at the McPherson Free Methodist Church with The Rev. Dr. Tom Griffith and The Rev. Dr. David Kessler officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow at McPherson Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Central Christian College or McPherson Free Methodist Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John W. Ferrell please visit our Sympathy Store.