March 30, 2006

WENDELL O. FERRIS
(9/2/1923 - 3/8/2006)

Wendell O. Ferris, 82, of Hannibal, MO, died March 8, 2006, at his home. Funeral services were held March 11, at the James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal with the Reverend Steve Barker officiating. Burial was with full military rites by Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post No. 55 at Grand View Burial Park in Hannibal.

Mr. Ferris was born September 2, 1923 in Memphis, MO to Merritt Alvin and Hettie May Reed Ferris.

He was married to Coralie Peterson on Jan. 12, 1947, in Kahoka, MO. She preceded him in death September 22, 1988.

Survivors include one son, Rodney Ferris (Marci) of Hannibal, MO; two daughters, Connie L. Dodd of Hannibal, MO and Cherie Taylor (Jimmy) of St. Louis, MO; one brother, Bill Ferris of Memphis, MO; two sisters, Jean Walker of Memphis, MO and Eunice Carrol of Kansas City, MO; nine grandchildren, Renee Nichelson, Harold W. Johnston Jr., Jeffery Ferris, Jeremy Ferris, JoLynn Howland, Brea Ferris, Casey Taylor, Megan Ferris and Jimmy Taylor; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, James Ferris and Donald Ferris.

Mr. Ferris retired from Golden Eagle Distributing after 35 years of service. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps serving during World War II. He spent many years with his family and friends camping at Bayview. He was a past member of American Legion Post No. 55. Mr. Ferris was Christian by faith.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or Blessing Hospice of Hannibal, in care of the James O’Donnell Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Harold Johnston, Jr., Jimmy Taylor, Jim Taylor, Jeffery Ferris, Jeremy Ferris and Bo Nichelson. Honorary pallbearers were Nolan Newman, Leon Meleany, and his friends at Golden Eagle Distributing Co.