Joel Clyde Ferguson

Our beloved Joel Clyde Ferguson, known to family and friends as Dad, Joel, Poppy, and J-Bone, passed away with loved ones surrounding him on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in Slidell, Louisiana, at the age of 81. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, on March 18, 1944, Joel's childhood took him from New Jersey to Georgia to Arlington, Texas. He moved to Slidell, Louisiana to head up the Investment Recovery Dept. for Entergy Corp. Wherever Joel lived, he packed more adventure, laughter and love into his days than most people could fit into several lifetimes. Joel is survived by his love Barbara Blanchard; her son, Ryan Blanchard; daughter, Danielle Kastner (Ralph); and three grandsons, Logan Kastner, Reed Kastner, Bennett Kastner. Joel is survived by his five daughters, Christy Fletcher (Charlie), Heather Ferguson, Alexa Elliott (Alden), Lori Ferguson, Kendal Ferguson (Eric Adams); granddaughters, Kaylyn Elliott, Camryn Fletcher, Aventurine Adams, Avecennia Adams; mother-In-Law, Mary Ann John; brother-In-Law, Franklin John; sister-In-Law, Marylou Schwartz; sister-In-Law, Sue Ferguson; nephew, David Ferguson (Linna); niece, Holly Ferguson; and nephew, Scott Shields. He is preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Georgann John Ferguson; parents, Clyde H. Jerguson and Helen McNeil Ferguson; brother, Hal Ferguson. After Arlington High School, Joel served in the Army before earning a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. His distinguished career included positions at Bell Helicopter, Texas Instruments, and Entergy Corp. Joel was a man of many passions and talents. He is a published author of three books, including two science fiction novels: "Across the Sea of Stars: and "Beyond the Sea of Stars" and a "Collectors Guide to New Orleans Soda Bottles". For years he was a dedicated soccer coach touching the lives of countless young athletes. He enjoyed watching movies; football, golfing, and had a vigorous zest for reading. He loved travelling and often took roads less travelled, always seeking new discoveries. He was known for his boundless generosity, vivid storytelling, and wildly imaginative spirit. Joel was funny, outspoken, and had a rare gift of treating strangers as instant friends. Joel leaves a legacy of unconditional love for family; an endless curiosity of history; and a refreshing sense of humor that brought smiles to all that knew him. Family and friends are invited to a Visitation from 12:00 PM to 1:00PM followed by a Funeral Mass on Friday October 10, 2025 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 400 Westchester Place, Slidell, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: MD Anderson Cancer Center www.mdanderson.org/donations-volunteers.html; American Heart Association www.heart.org; or St. Tammany Parish Animal Services (985-809-0183), www.stpgov.org/donate.