Joe Amos McFerren

The earthly life of Joe Amos McFerren came to an end Saturday, August 20, at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. He was born to the late Robert Lee and Dezzie Jennings McFerren in Natchitoches on February 22, 1942. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, August 22, 2022 at Beulah Methodist Church near Marthaville with interment to follow in Beulah Cemetery with the Rev. Charlotte Birdwell officiating. The Rev. William Jackson "Butch" Bruce will present the obituary, Randall "Fuzzy" Hennigan will share memories, and Caddo Sheriffs Lieutenant Richard Jennings will deliver the eulogy. Music will be provided by Laurie Gentry and Steve Birdwell. The family will receive friends from 12 pm until service time at Beulah Methodist Church on Monday the 22nd. Joe was a fun-loving guy who had a world of friends and a world of wonderful experiences. During his life, he lived in Marthaville, Natchitoches and, most recently, Provencal. Joe served one term as Justice of the Peace in Natchitoches Parish, Ward 5, starting in 1964. He held many jobs throughout the years, including working at the Manufactured Home Plant in Natchitoches and at Rebel State Historic Site in Marthaville. Joe was a strong patriot and was proud of his Southern heritage. He was equally proud of his six years of service with the Louisiana National Guard. He was one of Rebel Park's founding committee members and was present for Memorial and Music Festival programs for 50 years, doing whatever was needed to help produce a successful event. Joe met a lot of interesting people there, including many Country, Gospel and Bluegrass legends. Without exception, they all enjoyed spending time with Joe when they came to Louisiana or when he visited Nashville. His favorite star of all time was the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe. Joe also met many Louisiana politicians at Rebel Park, including the late Gov. Edwin Edwards, who was his favorite. Many elected officials often asked of Joe and were faithful to send their warm regards to him over the years. Joe was in a serious car wreck on June 7, 1980 that left him in very critical condition. He almost died from his injuries but pulled through to survive, carrying the scars of it for the rest of his life. In addition, he survived nine other near-fatal experiences over his eight decades of life. Among his many talents was the ability to bray like a donkey. He could sound more like a donkey than the animal itself, and he was always happy to deliver a special custom bray for any occasion. Joe attended Jennings Chapel Congregational Church as a young person and various other churches throughout his life. In the last season of his life, he was faithful to attend services at St. Anne Church (Spanish Lake) and churches in Provencal until health and mobility issues prevented participation. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Walter and sister-in-law Gladys McFerren, and three half-brothers, James, William and Gerald McFerren. Survivors include a beloved step-niece Gloria Kerry and husband Lucky of Natchitoches, and their family Glori Manshack, Kylie Padgett, Brandon Dobbs and Isabel Manshack; a special longtime friend Geraldine Niette of Provencal, her daughter Roxanne Brian and granddaughter Emma Brian, both of Provencal; and many other devoted friends. Serving as pallbearers will be Richard Jennings, Lucky Kerry, Butch Bruce, Randall "Fuzzy" Hennigan, Steve Birdwell, Keith Birdwell and Coy Birdwell.