John Wilson Ferrell

John Wilson Ferrell, age 89 of 111 North Philadelphia Street, Freeport was pronounced dead at 1:35 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2016 in his home.

Born April 25, 1927 in Freeport Township, Ohio, he was a son of the late Robert Karl Ferrell and Helen Rose McMath Ferrell.

John graduated from Freeport High School in 1945. After graduation, he drove truck for Mallernee Trucking delivering coal, livestock, wool, eggs, and milk. He was self-employed, dealing in livestock, machinery, and properties. He purchased his family's farm and became a farmer. He was never a full time employee of any business, but worked for Spring Paving for a short time working on the crew that paved the seven mile drive from State Route 22 to Salt Fork Lodge and State Route 39 from New Philadelphia to Carrollton. He raised sheep and cattle. Amongst farming and other activities he owned and raced Standard Bred Horses with Chucky Williams as a driver. He enjoyed dealing on anything new and different.

John was a member of the Freeport United Methodist Church, Grange, Harrison County Farm Bureau, Lions Club, Harrison County Planning Commission, Harrison County Health Board, and Tri-County Saddle Club.

His wife, Martha Elizabeth Wilson Ferrell died February 1, 1981. They were married June 1, 1947.

Surviving are four children: Judy K. (Fritz) Soehnlen of East Sparta, Samuel W. (Debra) Ferrell of Louisville, Jeffrey J. (Kim) Ferrell of Freeport, and Marsha J. Ferrell of Freeport; eight grandchildren: John Karl (Carrie) Ferrell, Christy (Michael) Hall, John C. Soehnlen, Elizabeth (Bobby) Brooks, Marty Soehnlen, Sally (companion Matt Taylor) Johnson, Megan (Nicholas) Ugrin,  Drew (Danielle) Ferrell, ten great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; a sister Rose Ann Bardall of Freeport, brother-in-law, Robert Wilson of Newcomerstown; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two sisters Nancy Jane Ferrell in 1944 and Sarah Eleanor Koch in 2016; and his companion of fourteen years, Connie Fogle.

Services will be at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 21 in Freeport United Methodist Church with Pastor David Koch officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenmont Union Cemetery, Freeport. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. also in the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to the Freeport United Methodist Church.