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Terry Ferguson Obituary

FERGUSON Dr. Terry A. Dr. Terry A. Ferguson, age 54, met his personal Lord and Savior, Tuesday, November 3, 2009. He was born in Toledo, OH, on January 19, 1955, to parents, Kenneth and Carol (Applegate) Ferguson and lived in the Buckeye State until his graduation from Maumee High School in 1973. Dr. Ferguson loved to read and study God's word, and went on to receive the following degrees during the course of his lifetime, 1977-Bachelor of Religious Ed. in New Testament (Great Lakes Christian College); 1981-Master of Divinity in Old Testament (Lincoln Christian Seminary); 1985-Master of Arts in Philosophy (Lincoln Christian Seminary); 1995-Master of Theology (Calvin Theological Seminary); 2009-Doctor of Ministry (Trinity International University). While at Great Lakes Christian College, Terry married Luanne C. Deater on February 14, 1976 at South Lansing Christian Church. The couple has since served in the Christian Ministry field for the past 33 years. Dr. Ferguson is survived by his wife, Luanne, of 33 years; his children, daughter, Lyndsey; son, Greyson; daughter, Chrystyn, all of East Lansing, MI; parents, Kenneth and Carol Ferguson of Maumee, OH, and sister, Kimberly Richards of Laingsburg, MI. A memorial service will be held, November 16, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. at University Christian Church, 310 N. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing. Services will be led by his buddies, "God's Mafia," Dr. Keith Ray, Lt. Colonel Bob Guy, Bob Twist, and Tom Spoors (all ministers of the Gospel). The family will receive friends Sunday, November 15, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the church. Donations in Terry's memory may be contributed to University Christian Church, Sienna Heights University and/or the Ferguson family. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. Online condolences may be made at: www.gorslineruncimanfuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade on Nov. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Terry Ferguson

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December 8, 2009

Dear Ferguson family, When we were in need of an officiant for my father's memorial service, Ann Bean recommended Terry and his church. Although he'd never met my dad, he listened whole heartedly to the stories my mother and I told him. He managed to capture the essence of my dad in his service. My condolences to the entire family on the loss of a wonderful human being.
Ingrid Melrose and family, Houston, Texas

Marina Tanaka

December 2, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Terry was a rock to many Japanese christians who gathered at UCC for worship services.
I was one of the Japanese students who was taught by Terry's diligent walk with Christ. He would come out from his office at church and greet and welcomed me whenever I arrived at church. As a young Christian who just started the walk with the Lord, he was always encouraging my walk with Christ.
Remembering you in prayer.

Diane Rehberger

November 18, 2009

To the Ferguson Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Memories are precious - hold them in your heart and let them bring you comfort.
Please accept our deepest sympathies.

The Rehberger Family

November 17, 2009

Terry did not judge, he listened. He encouraged and prompted deep thought. Terry’s ability to teach was rooted in his integrity. He was “present” in his classroom, subject matter, and with his students.

Terry’s connection with the SHU student was not in his method of teaching. No, his connection with the student was his heart; where his intellect, passion, and spirit converged into his authentic self. Terry always encouraged open listening to diverse values in his classroom.

As professor, Terry had a gift of insight and understanding for his students. He generously opened the life of his mind with his classroom; and successfully interwove his self, subject, and students seamlessly into the fabric of the coursework at hand as well as life’s learning path.

Terry was a thought-provoking individual. As one of his many previous students’, I am thankful for his tutelage and his love of education. His gifts and talents relative to teaching will be sorely missed.
With sincere compassion,
Georgia Elmassian
SHU Alumni

November 16, 2009

Louanne and Family -- I am deeply saddened to learn of Terry's passing. My heart goes out to all of you as you begin the journey of coping with this loss. May God's presence comfort you and keep you in this time of need and always. I have many memories of Terry sitting and praying with me at the hospital through various surgeries of my parents; being there for my grandmother and grandfather's funerals, and most recently my mother's passing. His calm and deep faith touched many lives. My deepest sympathies -- Jeri Johnson

November 11, 2009

To The Family of Terry Ferguson,

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Terry's death. You do not know me, but I took two of Terry's classes through Sienna Heights the past two semesters. He was an excellent teacher that really made you think very deeply. In his last e-mail to me a few months back he said this "Perhaps we will meet again, if not have a great life; live with conviction and purpose." I believe those are words he lived by, and I intend to do the same. I wanted you to know that he had an impact on my life, and he will be missed. I can still picture him in the back of the classroom munching on snacks, while we were viewing movies for our values in videos class. He mentioned his family a few times and I know he loved you all. May god bless you at this time, with the peace that only he can give.

In Christs Love,

Sheri Best

Kandi Lefkowitz

November 10, 2009

Luanne - We were so sorry to hear about Terry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this sad time and your family. No that you are missed and thought about each day.
WIth Love Mitch, Kandi, Jameson and Sarah Lefkowitz

Natalie Fleming-Hill

November 9, 2009

Ken and Carol, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. What a son to be proud of, who lived out the legacy you passed on...giving his heart to Christ and sharing the hope He gives us with others. What a peace to know that we will all meet again on the other side where there is no more pain, sorrow or tears. Sending our love and prayers to you.

Love, Gary, Natalie (Fleming), Daniel, Micah, and Makenna Hill

November 9, 2009

To all the family,

We are so sorry for your loss. We remember Terry as a teen and young man, and we are so pleased with all he accomplished in this life. We know how much you all will miss him, but this is not the end, only the beginning, as you faithfully complete your journeys here and meet up with him again for all eternity.

Love and prayers,
Bob and Bonnie Hudson

Rhonda Dostal

November 9, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the family. I worked with Terry at Great Lakes Christian College and also took classes from him, he was a good hearted man and very intelligent, I really enjoyed his teaching, respected his vast knowledge,intelligence and and getting to know him as a down to earth guy that really loved what he was doing... inspired me always.. Keep strong.

November 8, 2009

Carol and Ken,
I remember Terry as a young boy that I baby-sat for a few times. Happy that he lived his life for Christ. Know he would have made both grandmas, Lucille and Lena proud. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Marietta (Young) Wynn (Central Christian)

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