Robert Ferguson

Former Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico, Robert "Bob" Ferguson, 92, passed away at his daughter's home in Mesilla Park, NM on October 3rd, 2016. Bob was born on August 5th, 1924 to James L. and Myrtle Ferguson, in Pineland, TX. His father moved the family to Artesia, NM in the early 1930's, where Bob lived until he became ill in 2015.

Bob graduated from Artesia High School, and then attended Kemper Military College until 1943, until he enlisted to serve in the Army Air Corp during World War II. During the war, he spent most of his time on a ship, as a Remote Control Turret Repairman for B-29 airplanes. Some of the Battles and Campaigns he served in included The Western Pacific and ground combat in Iwo Jima and Saipan. He received various decorations and citations, yet he was never one to mention such.

After returning home, Bob attended summer courses at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM, then moved to Waco, TX to attend Baylor University. Bob began writing to one of his sister's friends, Rosemary Martin, while at college and thus began the 69-year love story of Bob and Rosie. They were married in 1948 at the Methodist church in Artesia, and after a two-month honeymoon, moved to back to Waco for Bob to finish his business degree from Baylor.

After graduating from Baylor, Bob and Rosie returned to Artesia, NM where he started his family, business, and ultimately answered his life calling. Shortly after establishing a successful real estate and insurance company he felt compelled to serve others, especially those who were often overlooked and unheard because of their race, income, and level of education. Bob believed that he was called to do more than just be sympathetic, he believed he could help the people of New Mexico better themselves by being their voice and standing up for what was true and fair. He ran and was elected to the House of Representatives in New Mexico and served twelve years in the House, eight years in the Senate, and four years as lieutenant Governor.

Bob was not only driven by public service, he was a devoted family man. He stopped by his folk's house every day after work to visit with and check up on them. He loved spending time with his children and did everything from teaching Sunday School, attending his sons athletic practices and games, going to swim meets, and yes, even attending cheer practice with his girls! Bob's dimpled smile would immediately brighten when anyone asked him about his children and grandchildren.

Bob Ferguson had a soft voice that carried over loud crowds, a genuine voice that brought hope and encouragement to every person who heard him speak. His true compassion for his family, country, and state will carry on for generations as a testament of his hard work and dedication. Those who carry on his legacy are his beloved wife of 69 years, Rosemary Ferguson, and his children; Robert Earl Ferguson, II, of Artesia, NM and his children Michael Ferguson, Shannon Ferguson, and McKayla Morrison; Debra Lee Ferguson-Hill and husband Jim of Las Cruces, NM, and their children Andy Hill, Candace Daugherty, Stephanie Willingham, Ross Crabb, and Jay Hill; James Ray Ferguson of Las Cruces, NM; Candace Ferguson-Rieger and husband Kyle of New Braunfels, TX, and their children Sterling and Rebecca Rieger; and 18 great grandchildren.

Bob is preceded in death by his father, James Lemuel Ferguson, mother Myrtle Gilchrist, sister La Donna Austen, sister Joy Fern Watson, and son Michael Martin Ferguson.

Visitation will be held at Terpening and Son in Artesia, NM on Thursday, October 6th from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Services and burial will be held on Friday, October 7th at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church and Woodbine Cemetery in Artesia, NM.

Visitation

Terpening Son Mortuary
611 W. Grand Ave.
Artesia, NM  88210
Thursday, October 6, 2016
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Service

First United Methodist Church
500 W. Grand Ave.
Artesia, NM  88210
Friday, October 7, 2016
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Woodbine Cemetery
200 E. Hermosa Drive
Artesia, NM  88210