Virgil Lee Fergason's Obituary
Decatur- Virgil L. Fergason, 79, of Decatur, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at Decatur Memorial Hospital with his family at his bedside.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Virgil will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 3, 2011 at Christ United Methodist Church in Decatur, Illinois. A visitation will be from 5-8:00 p.m. Friday, September 2, 2011 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Interment with “Flight Home” ceremony will be at 2:00 p.m. in Graceland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Christ Methodist Church.
Virgil was born March 1, 1932 in Carrollton, Missouri the son of Virgil A. and Lois (Buckner) Fergason. He spent his childhood years on a farm in his hometown. Virgil completed a year and a half of studies at the University of Missouri and then served his country in the United States Air Force for four years during the Korean War. He came back from the service and returned to the University of Missouri receiving his B.S., M.S., and PHD.
He published several papers while at the University, and belonged to Gamma Sigma Delta, Sigma I, and the American Genetic Association. He taught at the University of Missouri in 1965 and in 1966 before he accepted a position as Research Director at Bear Hybrid Corn Co. in Decatur, Illinois.
In 1982 he joined the National Starch and Chemical Co., as Research Director in their seed division. He established a research station in Decatur where he specialized in developing specialty corn until his retirement in 1996. He developed two patents, 1984, Starch Thickener and 1994, Low Amylopectin Starch. He also, wrote a chapter in a book in 1994, Specialty Corns.
Virgil is a past member of the Evening Lions Club, American Legion Post 105, a trustee of Christ United Methodist Church, and a member of University Alumni Missouri, He enjoyed fishing, gardening, traveling, and Missouri Football. He loved his time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; he was always interested in their goals in life. He married Mary Cheesman in Carrollton, Missouri, September 6, 1953.
Virgil leaves behind his wife of 58 years, son, Brian Fergason and wife Kristan of Lakeville, Minn, daughter, Diane Seno and husband Guy of Grayslake, IL, son, Keith Fergason and wife Cathy of Decatur, brother, Charles Harvey Fergason and wife Glenrose of Carrollton, MO; and the loves of his life, ten grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister.
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