Ferd E. Estes was called by his Lord and Savior to his eternal home on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at the age of 88. He was surrounded by his many family members in his home. His bible was always close at hand, even more so since the passing of his beloved wife, Sylvia, in July 2020. He would say he was quietly waiting on God for his time to come. Ferd will be greatly missed, but always remembered for many things; none more important than being a man that loved and honored God, cherished his wife and children, and valued everyone. His heart for Jesus guided his life, and his faith in the resurrection sealed his salvation. He was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Ferd was born on March 17, 1933, in Independence, Kansas to Everett E. Estes and Ruth (Dougherty) Estes. He was raised in Caney and graduated from Caney High School in 1951.
He attended St. Benedict's College in Atchison, Kansas from 1952-1953. He then entered the Army in September 1953 where he was trained as a medic in the 8th Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. He received his honorable discharge in September 1955.
He married the love of his life, Sylvia Waggoner, on August 16, 1955. With a new and growing young family, they returned to Caney where Ferd joined with his dad and grandad in the family’s long-time grocery business. He spent most of his adult working life as a grocer in the Caney community and local area.
Ferd loved the Caney community and held dear the personal relationships he had with his many friends, customers, and fellow businessmen that he shared an active 4th Avenue with. He considered it a privilege to serve his hometown and was a member of the Caney Fire Department for many years, leading as Fire Chief from 1972 to 1981. Though he never talked about it, his family knew that he was a regular visitor at the Caney Nursing Home. He prepared food baskets from the grocery store’s inventory for the residents, and spent time with them, especially those that were without family.
Ferd was an avid golfer and outdoorsman. He loved sharing these activities with his children and grand-children, enjoying one final duck hunt as recently as last year. Ferd coached all levels of local baseball and softball as his three sons and two daughters grew up. Our lasting memory of that time was how he would come home from work for lunch, always willing to take the time for a game of “catch” in the front yard for whichever of his children wanted to don a glove and throw the ball.
He is survived by his five children: Michael Estes and wife, Cathy, of Caney, Kansas; Patricia Horton of Wayside, Kansas; James Estes and wife, Karen, of Kansas City, Kansas; Elizabeth Anderson and husband, Kenny, of Caney, Kansas; and David Estes of Caney, Kansas; ten grandchildren: Michelle Kraus and husband, Tyler; Caitlin Ramsey and husband, Chris; Rachel Renfro and husband, Marc; Jonathan Estes and wife, Kolbi; Lindsay Cacozza and husband, Joe; Jacqueline Horton; John Horton and wife, Natalie; Brandon Higday and wife, Melissa; Ashley Beurskens and husband, Brett; and Kyler Estes; eleven great-grandchildren; and several much loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition, he is survived by his brother James D. Estes of Jacksonville, Florida; sister Mary Ann Franklin of Benton, Arkansas; and sister-in-law Wilna Waggoner of Caney, Kansas.
Ferd is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 65 years Sylvia; one sister Patricia; sister-in-law Judy Estes; brother-in-law Wirt Franklin; brother-in-law Jim Waggoner; son-in-law Jack Horton; and several dear aunts, uncles, and cousins.
For those that loved him, heaven is just a little closer now.
A Rosary Vigil will be at 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 4, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caney.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 5th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Trevor Buster officiating. Inurnment will be in Sunnyside Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials to The Journey Home in Dewey; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com.
