THOMAS MCFERRON

Thomas James "TJ" McFerron, 80, of Belleville, Ill., formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Friday, Oct. 8, 1999, at Willow Creek Nursing Home in Belleville.

He was born on Oct. 27, 1918, at Randles, son of Arthur Ford and Lucy Jane Beck McFerron.

He married Virginia Latham on July 6, 1948, at Piggott, Ark.

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

He served in the Army during World War II and the Korean War.

He owned and operated McFerron Sign Co. in Cape Girardeau for over 50 years.

He taught vocational education at Cape Girardeau Central High School for over 20 years and was named outstanding vocational educator in 1983.

He was a charter member of the International Association of Machinists for 50 years. He served as Local 1554 president, financial secretary and recording secretary.

He was a 1935 graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School.

He attended Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Missouri extension in Columbia.

He worked for Kimbel Truck Lines from 1937 to 1958 and Delta and ABF truck lines from 1958 to 1964.

Survivors include his wife of Belleville; a son, Thomas L. McFerron of Cape Girardeau; two brothers, Harold McFerron of Festus and Bill McFerron of LaPorte, Ind.; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by five brothers and four sisters.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Sprigg St. Chapel from 6-8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral chapel.

The Rev. John Owen will officiate. Entombment will be in Memorial Park Mausoleum with the VFW Post 3838 conducting military rites.