Don Ferguson

Edwin Donald Ferguson

February 23, 1931 – September 16, 2025

Edwin Donald “Don” Ferguson, age 94, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at Custer Care.

Edwin Donald Ferguson was born on February 23rd, 1931, to Elmer and Goldie Ferguson at Ansley, Nebraska. Don grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep connection to the land. He attended country schools in the Ansley area until 1944, when the family moved to a farm south of Kearney, Nebraska. The family returned to Ansley in 1945, where Don helped out on the family farm. In June of 1949, Don was in a car wreck, where he was hospitalized in Crothers Hospital in Broken Bow, Nebraska. This is where his nurse’s aide, Doris Cramer, helped to take care of him, and they fell in love.

Don enlisted in the Air Force in July 1951. He completed his basic training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was stationed at Bennett Naval Air Station in Brooklyn, New York, where he trained as a firefighter. Don married Doris Marie Cramer on June 26th, 1952, in Broken Bow, Nebraska. In 1952, Don was sent overseas to North Africa to Nouasseur Air Force Base near Casablanca in Morocco. Upon returning home from overseas, Don and Doris made their home at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where Keith Lynn was born in 1954. The family moved to Sioux City Air Force Base in Iowa, where Don was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1955. He continued his career as a firefighter and worked for the city and was an inspector for the fire department. It was in Sioux City, Iowa, where his daughters were born, Karen Jean in 1956 and Karla Julene in 1957. In 1961, the family moved to Ansley, Nebraska. Don worked for several farmers in the area as a hired hand. In 1964, the family purchased a farm north of Ansley. The same year, they welcomed a daughter, Kelli Jo.

Don thrived as a farmer, raising livestock and crops, and sharing his love of the land with family and friends. He loved to take them in his pasture to his tallest hill on his property, where the view stretched for miles. He loved to visit with everyone, telling stories and making people laugh. He was always up for an adventure and loved camping, fishing, and traveling. He was a proud member of the American Legion, participating in parades and honor guard ceremonies. Don and Doris were active in several camping clubs, Loup Valley Sams, Jayco Camping Club, and Custer Campers. In 1995, Don retired from farming. It was the same year they began making their yearly trips to Kenwood RV Resort in La Feria, Texas, where they spent several years together as “Winter Texans”. He was involved in several activities at Kenwood. He enjoyed playing cards, pegs and jokers, putting puzzles together, and calling Bingo. He enjoyed making coffee for all the events at the park. During his summer months, he would restore Ferguson tractors, a joy that kept him active. Don continued to travel to Texas during the winter months until 2020, when his health began to decline. Don made his home in Off-Broadway in Broken Bow in 2020, where he enjoyed conversations and showing his ornery side with his best friend Ralph.

Don is survived by his daughters, Karen Norden of Harlingen, Texas; Karla Ducker of Ansley, Nebraska; Kelli Flanagan of Broken Bow, Nebraska and Daughter-In-Law Linda Ferguson of Columbus, Nebraska. Thirteen grandchildren, thirty-four great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Siblings Lyle, Evelyn, Lawrence, and Betty, his sister-in-law’s Helen and Terry. Many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, his parents, Elmer and Goldie, his brothers Ralph, Norman, Bennie, and his son, Keith.

Don’s legacy lives on in the laughter he shared, the stories he told, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church 1000 S. 3rd Ave in Broken Bow, Nebraska at 10:30 am on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 to honor Don’s life and legacy. Lunch to follow the service. Burial will be held at 2:00pm at the Ansley Cemetery in Ansley Nebraska.