Colonel Charles Laverne Ferguson's Obituary
Colonel Charles Laverne Ferguson (ret), 93, of Gainesville Florida passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. He was born on October 14, 1930, in Parma, Idaho to Thomas Chester and Hazel Celia Hatch Ferguson.
He graduated from Oregon State where he played football and was an all-American Guard. He was a member of the ROTC at Oregon State, and after graduation, joined the United States Air Force and became a fighter pilot. He was deployed and flew multiple missions in Vietnam and South Korea. He was shot down in Vietnam in 1965 but was one of the few pilots that was not captured or killed and made it back to friendly lands. He continued to serve proudly in the middle East and European theaters and retired in 1979 as a full Colonel.
Charles married the love of his life Barbara Jeanne Schneider on July 2nd, 1951. He enjoyed sports, especially football, flying, playing the piano and working with his hands.
Charles is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Barbara, children; Gary Ferguson, Vicki Peters (Carl), Randy Ferguson (Amanda), sister; Evelyn Blehm, grandchildren; Bradley Metzler, Brian Peters, Justin Peters, Mackenzie Ferguson, Chelsea Ferguson, and Alexander Ferguson; eight great-grandchildren.
A private service with Full Military Honors was held.
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