William "Joe" Fergerson's Obituary
William Joseph (Joe) Fergerson, age 86, departed this life January 23, 2026, at his home in Bixby, Oklahoma, surrounded by his children and their spouses. He was born in Joplin, Missouri to George Fred and Francis Almeda (Dimple) Fergerson, June 10, 1939.
He attended high school in Seneca, Missouri and was united in holy matrimony to Sondra Jean Barrett of Joplin, in the home of his grandmother near Redings Mill, Missouri, August 23, 1957. Not long after marrying, Joe and Sondra moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where Joe took on work as an apprentice in the Sheet Metal Workers Local. He was a good friend to all who knew him and an asset to Local 270 for over 60 years. He retired in 2007 but maintained his dues and attended breakfasts in honor of all retirees until the day of his passing. He helped cool and heat a sizable portion of the city of Tulsa. The most important aspect of his life, however, was his commitment to the Lord and the Lord’s church. He was baptized for the remission of his sins in Beef Branch just below the Beef Branch Church of Christ not far from his old home place. He was a faithful member and leader of the church for over sixty years. He loved attending church meetings whenever possible. He read his bible continually so he could learn more about God’s Word and the life the Lord wanted him to live. On two separate occasions he scribed the entire bible by hand and on two other occasions he typed it on his computer. Joe would always be willing to discuss the Scriptures because that is what was in his heart more than anything. He was a faithful husband and a loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed people. He loved children. He encouraged young and old alike to live right and be a good example for others to follow. In the neighborhood he was “The Puzzle Guy.” With his garage door open, weather permitting, he always had a puzzle to put together on a drafting table for others to see or drop by to help. He also had a knack for growing some of the most delicious blackberries. Many cobblers have been made using his berries. He enjoyed bowling, playing the game ‘Hand and Foot’ with friends and family, and in recent months he took up diamond painting. He was a man of integrity, a man of great faith, a man of knowledge and wisdom, and a man who thought more of others than himself. What a legacy he leaves for others! Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 63 years, Sondra Fergerson, and his sister, Linda Nida. He is survived by his daughter, Sonja Baysinger and husband Denny of Hackett, Arkansas; his son, Bill Fergerson and wife Ruth of Coweta, Oklahoma; and Stephen Fergerson of Bixby, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Andrew Baysinger (Maggie), Andrea Edge (Greg), Jacob Fergerson (Nicole), Lacey Burg (John), Caleb Fergerson; nine great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Joe will be greatly missed but, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord… Yes, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them (Revelation 14:13).
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