Mr. Central, John Ferrell Passes Away

McPherson, KS – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Central, John Ferrell.

John William Ferrell, 88, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, surrounded by family at McPherson Hospital. He was an educator and administrator at Central Christian College (CCCK), McPherson. John was born on March 4, 1930, in Dallas, TX, the son of Benjamin Franklin Ferrell, Sr. and Winnie J. (Leach) Ferrell. He received his Associate Degree from Central Christian College, a Bachelor’s Degree from McPherson College, and a Master’s Degree from Seattle Pacific University. John was united in marriage to Claudine May Ludwick on July 16, 1949, in Wichita, KS. She preceded him in death on January 17, 2013. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War Era. During his time at CCCK, John served as Registrar, Instructor (Social Sciences), Director of Public Relations, Dean of Students (where he initiated the RA program, Federal Work Study, and the Guidance Office), Vice President for Development and Admissions (resulting in significant growth in recruitment numbers), and Vice President of Advancement (completing multiple campaigns and millions of dollars raised to support the mission of the college).

John’s greatest talents were in the areas of strategic planning, visioning and his willingness to do whatever it took for Central to survive and thrive. John is a very passionate professional who became the driving force behind College Advancement.

After his “retirement” he continued to serve the institution, founding the archives, which are now named in his honor. In 1985, John was inducted into the Academe of Achievers for his significant work on behalf of the College and his impact throughout the McPherson area and beyond.

John was a member of the McPherson Free Methodist Church where he was chairman for the Finance Committee and the Facilities Planning Committee. He was past president of the McPherson Rotary Club, director and founding board member of the McPherson Scottish Festival and co-founder of the Highland Games, chairman of the board at McPherson Family Life Center, served on the board of Oakdale Christian Academy in Jackson, KY, and served on the board of directors at The Cedars. He was named the “Hometown Hero” in 2002 by McPherson County United Way and McPherson Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors include: son, David Ferrell (Linda) of McPherson, KS; daughter, Rebecca Jo Ferrell Nickel (David) of Indianapolis, IN; six grandchildren, Amy Ferrell of Longmont, CO, Matthew Ferrell (Jennifer) of Colorado Springs, CO, Paul Ferrell of Arcata, CA, Sarah Ouren (Cole) of Colorado Springs, CO, Austin Christian Ferrell Nickel of Denver, CO, and Emma Jo Ferrell Nickel of Indianapolis, IN; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, Laura “Mumsie” Gillespie Ferrell, sister, Frances Dixon, and brother, B.F. Ferrell, Jr.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Sunday, March 17, 2019, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, March 18, at the McPherson Free Methodist Church with The Rev. Dr. Tom Griffith and The Rev. Dr. David Kessler officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow at McPherson Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given to Central Christian College or McPherson Free Methodist Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.