Wayne D. Ferguson

Wayne Ferguson (February 21, 1951 - September 29, 2026)

AMSTERDAM/BEAVER FALLS- It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne D. Ferguson, 75, of Dutch Hollow Lane, Amsterdam, formerly of Beaver Falls.  He passed away on Tuesday afternoon, September 29, 2026 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Amsterdam.

He is survived by his beloved wife JoAnn; their children, Leslie (Chris) Rogers, Justin (Karen) Ferguson, Jordan (Kelcey) Ferguson, Jacob (Pearl) Ferguson; grandchildren, Jackson Rogers, Samuel Rogers, Olivia Rogers, Anne Ferguson, Nicolas Ferguson, Elizabeth Ferguson, Penelope Ferguson, Vivian Ferguson, Eloise Ferguson, Paityn Ferguson, Mackenzie Ferguson, Presley Ferguson, Cameron Ferguson, Theodore Ferguson; his siblings: Sally Coffman (Tom) Bowie, Harold (Terri) Ferguson, Bruce (Michelle) Ferguson, Stanley (Marianne) Ferguson, and Thomas (Phyllis) Ferguson; his in-laws: John (Judy) Hodkinson, Lory (Bernard) Lee, Chris (Joyce) Hodkinson; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wayne was born in Carthage, NY, a son of the late Harold E. and Marjorie A. Wisner Ferguson and graduated from Carthage Central School in 1969.  He attended Ithaca College, where he competed in football and wrestling, finishing with a degree in physical education. He later proudly earned a Masters Degree in Physical Education from Cortland University.

He met his wife, JoAnn, in March of 1974, and they were lovingly married for 52 years this December.

Wayne loved his family, God, and community. With a coaching career spanning four decades, he accumulated  an impressive list of awards and accolades (NNY360 Article) .  Although he took great pride in his accomplishments, he never considered them to be his most important achievements. That top spot has always been held by his children and grandchildren, with his athletes being a close second.  

Coach Ferguson spent countless hours establishing opportunities for the students of Beaver River Central School. He headed the T-Shirt Baseball program, founded the New Bremen Wrestling Club, coached PeeWee Wrestling, and numerous sports teams throughout his career.

With loyalty being his defining characteristic, he devoted his entire 34 year teaching career to Beaver River Central School. Wayne achieved over 500 dual meet victories, one Section 3 Tournament Title (2006), one Section 3 Dual Meet Title (1997), numerous winning streaks (73 straight victories 1982-1988 and 39 straight victories 1976-1979) and two state champions (1980,2006). Wayne was inducted into the Carthage Wrestling Hall of Fame, Section 3 Hall of Fame (2008),  National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012, the New York Wrestling Hall of Fame (2013)  and the North Country Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.

Wayne took  joy in  pursuits outside of coaching and sports as well.  He was an avid fan of Theology, James Bond movies, the NY Giants, KLove radio, blackberry picking  and surprisingly knew his way (somewhat) around the kitchen.  Some of his most requested speciaties were: Rice Krispie treats, peanut butter popcorn, apple crisp, chocolate pudding cake, graham cracker mix, Johnny Cake and pancakes.  His life as a Husband, Father, Papa (grandfather), Coach and Christian will be deeply missed by the people he valued the most: his family, the Beaver River Athletic Community and Cornerstone Baptist Church.     

A memorial service will be at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday October 10, 2026 at Croghan Mennonite Church.  Burial in Naumburg Union Cemetery will be held privately by the family.  Calling hours are from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc. 5702 Waters Road, Lowville.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Wayne’s name to Gideons International, P.O. Box 418, Lowville, NY 13367 or Cornerstone Baptist Church, 10474 State Route 126, Carthage, NY 13619, or Beaver River Youth Wrestling Club, in C/O Jon Walseman, 9660 Second Road, Castorland, NY 13620.

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.
 

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