Vernon Ferguson

Vernon P. Ferguson, 85, of De Smet, SD, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Avera Memorial Hospital in De Smet, SD.

Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Manchester Cemetery in Manchester, SD. Pastor Patrick Burger will officiate.

The family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Vernon's memory in lieu of flowers.

On May 1, 1940, Vernon Peter Ferguson was born to Truman and Ruby (Proudy) Ferguson in De Smet, SD. He was the second of their three sons. Vernon attended De Smet High School, and after graduation he enlisted in the Air Force. After his four years in the Air Force, Vernon moved to California to work for General Telephone where he would eventually meet his wife, Patricia "Pat" Charpentier, in 1976. Pat and Vernon were united in marriage on January 22, 1977, and lived Santa Monica, CA. In 1983, Vernon returned to South Dakota with Pat and settled in Manchester until the tornado in 2003, after which they moved to De Smet.

Vernon lived his life in De Smet as a self-employed lawn mower and tech repairman. In his free time, he loved scuba diving and flying commercial planes, and he also used to go target shooting with Pat and their dear friend, Jim.

Vernon is survived by his sisters-in-law, Betty Ferguson of De Smet, SD, and Kathleen Ferguson of Citronelle, AL; nieces: Kathy (Dan) Parsley of Duck Creek, UT, Susan Greeley of De Smet, SD, Ann (Mark) Wilson of Morning View, KY; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; parents, Truman and Ruby; and brothers, Dean and Lyle.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com