Mr. Ronald R. Ferguson

A celebration of the life of Mr. Ronald R. Ferguson, 78, of Henderson, will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Dwain Knight officiating, under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home.

Mr. Ferguson passed from this life on February 4, 2026, in Henderson. He was born July 18, 1947, in Henderson to the late R.T. and Patsy (Layne) Ferguson and lived there most all of his life. Ronnie graduated with the last class of Gaston High School in 1965 and went on to Kilgore College on a music scholarship. After finishing his studies in Kilgore, he transitioned to Stephen F. Austin State University where he completed his Bachelor's degree in 1969. Mr. Ferguson then embarked on a career as a band director and consultant that spanned over 50 years. His first posting after college was as the junior high band director with West Rusk CCISD, followed by a stint as the band director for White Oak High School from 1971-1975. In 1977, Ronnie received a call from a retiring Jimmy Blackwell asking if he would come be the band director for Henderson ISD. Ronnie served this district faithfully for 26 years where the Tradition of Excellence prevailed. Upon retirement, he served as a consultant for several schools, namely Center and Van. In 2018, he was once again called upon by Henderson to help in the transition as Craig Haynie took the reins of the Lion Pride Band.

Mr. Ferguson was active around the state of Texas as the Texas Music Educators Association representative for Region 21. He was also a member of Phi Beta Mu and served as a board member with the Texas Bandmasters Association where he was elected to serve as President in 2002. Ronnie was a Master Mason for over 50 years and was raised in Pine Tree Lodge #1396 AF & AM where he was a life member. He would also occasionally attend Pine Hill Lodge #95 AF & AM.

Ronnie met the love of his life, Karen Stevens, in high school, and the two began a courtship that led to 57 years of marriage. They were married in Calvary Baptist Church of Henderson and later began attending First Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife Karen Ferguson of Henderson; son Jarrod Ferguson and wife Wendi of Henderson; grandson Rory Ferguson; brother Mike Ferguson and wife Debbie of Rockwall; niece Sarah Lynn Ferguson; and a host of cousins and other family, many friends, colleagues and treasured students.

Honorary pallbearers will be Neil Grant, Jim Hagood, Jerry Hanzen, Doice Grant, Mike Brashear, Ryan Mcinturff, Chris Smith, Toni and Jerry Hale, Joel Hale, Ricky Chapman, Jimmy Chapman, Michael Perry, Tommy Hopkins, Weldon Hopkins, A.L. Layne, Joe Crawford, W.T. Castleberry, and Earl Rogers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the HHS Band Boosters at P.O. Box 1592, Henderson, TX 75653 or by Venmo: @Henderson-BandBooster.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.