John Willard Ferron, son of Raymond L. Ferron and Edna (Haegert) Ferron, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026 at Park Villa Nursing Home, Clyde, KS at the age of 82. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond (May 6, 1977) and Edna (June 1, 2002).
As a teenager, John spent the summers working on his uncle’s farm in Montrose, Kansas where he developed a strong work ethic that carried throughout his life. He graduated from St. Johns High School, Beloit, Kansas in 1961. Following graduation John joined a custom wheat cutting crew with Nicholson’s in Clay Center. Then in 1964, he joined the Army and began service to his country for two years as a bridge engineer, in both Asia and Germany. He remained active in the Army Reserves until 1970.
After his military service, John returned to Concordia and began working at Clay Ceramics, delivering household ceramics and yard art across Kansas and as far as southern Texas. His career path included many roles in construction—building grain elevators in Randall and Lincoln, Kansas, as well as construction projects that included building bridges between Beloit and Glen Elder, and other locations along Highway 36. In 1969, John joined CO-OP Service in Concordia, offering full service, oil, tire changes, and propane delivery.
John eventually transitioned to a long-term career with Farmway CO-OP, where he purchased his own fuel delivery truck and began delivering farm fuel, a job he faithfully carried out until his retirement in 2005.
Outside of work, he enjoyed car racing and hunting, and was an avid collector of coins, guns, and die-cast cars. Known for his love of bartering, he was a regular at auctions, often buying collectibles, then reselling these items to interested buyers. John also enjoyed buying, trading, and selling personal vehicles on a regular basis. Over the years, John owned and traded more vehicles than he could remember, but one of his favorites was his 1973 Gran Torino.
John was a proud member of the NRA and American Legion. His life was marked by hard work, service to his country, and a genuine love of collecting, trading, and connecting with others. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Graveside services for John will take place on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 9:30 A.M. at St. Concordia Cemetery, Concordia, KS with Father Joseph Kieffer officiating.
Memorial Contributions may be given to Park Villa Nursing Home c/o Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. Online condolences may be sent to www.chaputbuoy.com