Gary Harold Ferns
Gary Harold Ferns
Gary Harold Ferns
November 25, 1935 – April 29, 2016
What Cheer, Iowa | Age 80
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Gary Harold Ferns, 80, of What Cheer, died at home on Friday, April 29, 2016. Gary Harold Ferns was born near What Cheer, Iowa on November 25, 1935 the son of Harold and Verna Johannes Ferns.
Gary attended the Glendale country school and was a 1953 graduate of What Cheer High School. Gary understood the importance of a good education and would later receive a degree from the University of Nebraska.
In December of 1954 Gary enlisted in the United States Army. As a Special Forces Officer, Gary served his country all around the world, including Germany, Korea, three tours in Vietnam, Venezuela and Panama. His decorations include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Silver Star with 1 oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star with 2 oak leaf clusters, Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart with 6 oak leaf clusters, Master Parachutist Badge, Vietnamese Parachutist Badge, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palms.
Also while in the military Gary was united in marriage to Patricia Jean Rice on September 21, 1956. To that union four children were born: Alice, Gary Allen, Melody and Michael.
In 1976, after serving twenty two years to God and country he retired from the United States Army as Lieutenant Colonel Gary Harold Ferns. Having seen the world through the eyes of a soldier, Gary returned to a quiet little town in Iowa he knew as home. As a second career he started a construction company which he owned and operated until 2006.
Gary was an active member of the James Murphy American Legion Post #319, a lifetime member of the VFW and a loyal member of the NRA. Ironically, just a few weeks after his commitment to his country was memorialized on a War Memorial in his home town, Lieutenant Colonel Ferns received God’s commitment of everlasting life.
He is preceded in death by parents, Harold and Verna Ferns; a son, Gary Allen Ferns; a daughter, Alice Lavonne Ott; and a brother, Ronald Ferns.
Gary’s legacy will be cherished by his daughter, Melody (& Oscar) Lester-Caraway of Kinta, OK; his son, Micheal Ferns of Indianapolis, IN; a brother, Loren (& Linda) Ferns of Dixon, IL, three sisters: Shirley (& Kenneth) Allison of Oskaloosa, Joanne (& Jerry) Asher of Beacon, and Gladys Barainca of Eddyville; his five grandsons: Jason, Michael and Jarrod Lester and Justin and Bryan Ott; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer.
Burial will be in the Sixteen Cemetery near Thornburg.
Military honors will be conducted by the James Murphy American Legion Post # 319.
Visitation will begin at noon on Monday; with family present from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers the family would strongly prefer memorial contributions be made to: James Murphy American Legion.
Friends may sign the online guestbook or offer condolences to the family at www.hollandcoblefuneralhomes.com.
