Marvin Ferguson

Marvin Ferguson, a retired Indianapolis businessman, died at home on March 1, 2022.  He was born on November 28, 1929, to Elmer Ferguson and Lillian Hobbs Sanders.  He was a 1947 graduate of Arsenal Technical High School receiving a certificate in drafting.  He later took classes at the Purdue Extension and the Air Force Institute for Officer Qualification.  He would jokingly tell people he was a graduate of FSU – Fountain Square University where he majored in Knowing How Things Work.  He served in the Air Force during the Korean War.

His business career began in the drafting department at Central States Bridge.  He later became Vice president of Vestal Steel Erectors and M S. Churchman where he started their structural steel division.  In 1972, he founded Ferguson Steel Company, a highly successful and respected company fabricating and erecting structural steel.  The buildings on which he collaborated are visible throughout Indiana as well as Ohio, Tennessee, and other parts of the United States.  He sold the company in 1992. During retirement, he served on several corporate boards including Monarch Beverage.

Throughout his business career, he participated in many professional associations related to steel construction.  He was president of the Indiana Steel Fabricators Association, director of the American Institute of Steel Construction, president of the Indiana Subcontractors Association, and director of the Central Fabricators Association.   On behalf of the Metal Fabrication Institute, he lectured at numerous engineering schools on methods of steel fabrication he had pioneered.  He was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by three governors in recognition of his service to Indiana as a member of the Marion County Sheriff’s Merit Board and as a commissioner on the Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Indiana Ports Commission.

Marvin’s retirement was filled with adventure and curiosity.  He was an accomplished SCUBA diver holding a divemaster rating.  He was an avid skier having a condominium in Snowmass CO for 30 years.  He and Bronwen traveled extensively throughout the world including an around the world trip by private jet.  They both loved the theater and made several trips to New York City each year to see the latest shows on Broadway.  He was a duplicate bridge player attaining the rank of Sapphire Life Master.  He played in all levels of competition and frequently came out on top.

Marvin loved people.  His list of friends was endless, and the more diverse they were, the more desirable he found them.  It was impossible for him to walk by someone without speaking to them, as he was truly interested in knowing about them.  He had many personal stories to tell, and with each telling, the story somehow got a little better.

Marvin is survived by his wife, best friend, and love of his life, Bronwen Hughes Ferguson; daughters  Karen Ferguson, Kathleen Ferguson, Valerie (Cy) Hildebrand; son Jay Ferguson; stepson Charles Hinkle; 9 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.  A daughter, Joni Ferguson, preceded him in death.

Visitation is on March 9, 2022 from four until seven at Flanner and Buchanan, Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis.  The funeral service is on March 10, 2022 at three o’clock, St Paul’s Episcopal church, 6050 N Meridian St, Indianapolis. We request that masks be work for both.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gleaners Food Bank or Second Helpings.