Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Robert Ferguson
Jul 11th, 1926 - Feb 12th, 2016Robert “Bob” T. Ferguson passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on Friday, February 12, 2016. He was 89.
Bob was born July 11, 1926, in Flora, the son of Charles Ferguson and Della (Scott) Ferguson. He was married to the love of his life and soulmate, Shirley Rose Wolf for 65 wonderful years. She preceded him in death on July 25, 2015.
Bob’s father died when he was young and was raised by his uncle and aunt, the late Gordon and Barbara Hoskins. Bob attended Flora High School and when he was of age, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for two years during World War II.
After the service, he returned to Flora and worked on the B & O Railroad and also in the oil fields. Bob and Shirley then moved to Harvey, IL, where he first started working for the US Post Office. He worked there for three years before returning back to Flora where he continued in the postal service. While in Flora, he was employed as a carrier, Assistant Postmaster and Postmaster. Bob finished his career in Collinsville where he was Postmaster before retiring after 35 years of service.
His postal service accomplishments were many. Bob served as the new Postmaster trainer in several post offices throughout Illinois and Missouri. He co-chaired the Flora Customer Advisory Council and was a member of the NALC (National Association of Letter Carriers) and NAPUS (National Association of Postmasters of the U.S.). In 2008, he was named Retired Postmaster of the Year, a national honor. In 2006, President George W. Bush signed a bill which named the Flora Post Office building in honor of Robert T. Ferguson in a ceremony later that year attended by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.
He was an active member of First Christian Church. Bob was dedicated to the Flora community and beyond, he served in various roles and capacities, including: Organizer and Director of Flora Bank and Trust, Flora City Commissioner, Flora Fire Department, Flora Industrial Commission, Flora School Board Member, Clay County Red Cross Drive Chairman, Clay County Fair Board, Boy Scout Chairman, Flora Sesquicentennial Club, Kiwanis, Elks, VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and local American Cancer Society Co-Chairman. In 1996 he was recognized as the Flora Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #231 and Scottish Rite where he was recipient of the 33rd Degree, served as 8th Southern District Deputy Grandmaster in 1994-1996, and was a member of the Ainad Shrine participating in the Widget Motor Patrol, and Organizer and Chairperson for Clay County Shrine Screening Clinic.
Bob is survived by his two daughters: Barbara Schmit (Pete) and Tammy Chase (Tom); six grandchildren: Dan Schmit, Pete (Beth) Schmit, Brian (Rebecca) Schmit, Katie Schmit, Tommy Chase, and Taylor Chase; five great-grandchildren: Grayson Schmit, Bailey Schmit, Wesley Schmit, P.J. Schmit, and Clara Schmit; two sisters-in-law: Miriam Ferguson (the late Gordon Ferguson) and Barbara Ferguson (the late Charles Ferguson); and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and siblings: Martha Auterburn (Roy); Barbara Cuckovich; James Ferguson (Jean); Gordon Ferguson; and Charles Ferguson (first spouse Roberta Ferguson).
A funeral service for Robert Ferguson will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Masonic Rites and a Shrine Walk-through at 8 p.m. Memorial donations are suggested to Oil Belt Christian Service Camp or Shriners Hospital for Children, and these will be accepted at the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence with the family, visit www.frankandbright.com.