Fenton Ferguson, age 64, passed away April 21, 2026 at his home in Liberty, Missouri. A celebration of life will be held 6-8pm on June 4 at Davis Event Center (formerly Beck Event Center) in Harrisonville, Missouri. His ashes will be interred at the Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, Missouri.

William Fenton Ferguson was born July 23, 1963 in Butler, Missouri to James Edgar Ferguson and Jo Ann (Lotspeich) Ferguson. He graduated from Adrian High School in 1979 and attended UMKC to study ballet before graduating from the University of Missouri with a bachelor of science in housing and interior design in 1988. Fenton served his country in the Army from 1983-1985 as a Unit Supply Specialist, receiving the Army Service Ribbon, Sharpshooter, Grenade Expert, and Army Achievement Medal.

Fenton spent his entire career helping people make their homes more beautiful, first selling art, then furniture, then 20 years as a kitchen designer. He made baby blankets for any new parent he knew and was well-liked by all for his warmth, humor, skill, and style. His garden was another place he created beauty to share with those around him and he loved watching it change through the seasons.

Fenton lived his life as an openly gay man. He lost several friends to the AIDS epidemic and took part in activism. He endured bullying and discrimination without becoming bitter. He looked forward, every year, to the joyful week of community, acceptance, and freedom he found in the Midwest Male Naturist Gathering at Gaea Retreat Center.

Fenton was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother Virginia (Ackerley) Ferguson, his step-sister Sue (Moles) Anderson, his step-brother Neil Moles (and wife Peggy), and his great-nephew Spencer Ferguson. Fenton is survived by his brother, Jim Ferguson (Diane), and his step-brother-in-law, Ken Anderson, several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews whom he spoiled like they were his own kids and grandkids. We love you and miss you, Uncle Fenton! We will watch for you in the rainbows!