Matthew Jerome Ferguson

Matthew Jerome Ferguson, age 42 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away September 29, 2019, at Jefferson City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on October 22, 1976 in Jefferson City Mo., the son of Jerry and Teresa (Kliethermes) Ferguson. A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Matt attended grade school at St. Peters School and later graduated from Helias High School where he played football, basketball and ran track. He was employed with Delong's Incorporated working in the painting department, painting steel bridge beams and girders. Matt had a love for the outdoors, whether he was fishing, hunting, searching for mushrooms, doing farm work or riding country roads, he was at home in nature. He had a great sense of humor and, from the time he was a boy, he loved playing pranks on friends and family. Matt was an avid sports fan, especially loved rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals. Matt will always be known for his big heart, giving nature and approachable demeanor. The old saying "he never met a stranger" was absolutely true of Matt; he greeted all with a smile and was willing to do anything he could for others. Matt was cherished by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by his loving family. Survivors include: one daughter, Delaney Rae Ferguson; his parents, Jerry and Teresa Ferguson; seven aunts and uncles, Pauline Gentges (husband Arthur), David Kliethermes, Erma Moskalski, Danny Kliethermes (wife Rita), Carol Sisson (husband Mike), Grace Harvey (husband Jim) and Verda Mae Rogers; and numerous cousins. Matt was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Raymond and Matilda (Holzer) Kliethermes; his paternal grandparents, Elbert and Viola (Giesing) Ferguson; three aunts, Audrey Dietzel, Rose Marie Jaegers and Patricia Ann Ellis; two uncles, Frank Rogers and Jake Jaegers; and a special friend, Kristen Chick. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2019. A celebration of life service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 3, 2019, in the Freeman Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Matthew Ferguson Memorial Fund. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com