John Thomas “J.T.” Ferrier
John Thomas “J.T.” Ferrier, 89, of Mexico, passed away on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia.
A mass of Christian burial will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at St. Brendan Catholic Church with Fr. David Veit officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.
Visitation is Wednesday from 12 – 12:45 p.m. at Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico.
J.T. was born on Aug. 9, 1933 in Mexico, the son of Hugh and Lottie Marie (Rehma) Ferrier, Sr. He graduated from Mexico High School in 1951 and then attended trade school in St. Louis. He served in the U. S. Air Force from 53-57, mainly stationed in Italy, and then worked many years in St. Louis for Anheuser-Busch and the Metropolitan Sewer District.
Upon moving to Mexico, he began work at Audrain Medical Center in their maintenance department. He was known by many throughout Mexico, finally retiring in 2018 after being the hospital courier for many years.
After returning to Mexico in 1988, he married Betty Eikel. She passed away on July 8, 2019.
J.T. was a devout member of St. Brendan Catholic Church. He prayed the Rosary daily and was an avid reader of the bible. He was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved being a member of the Cardinals Club at the Missouri Veterans Home. J.T. was also extremely honored to lead the “Final Salute” at the home.
Mr. Ferrier was known by many as a pool shark and won many area tournaments including at the Mexico Senior Center. He also enjoyed starting countless football and baseball gambling pools and was fondly remembered by friends and family as the “Neighborhood Bookie!”
He was an avid golfer until later in life, a brilliant mathematician, and was known to pinpoint and identify many constellations for his grandkids. He never missed an opportunity to brag about his children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his children, Sharon Oliver of Mexico and Janice (Jeff) Harp of St. Louis; four grandchildren, Brian (Angela) Hoer of Paris, Elecia (Ryan) Eskew of Vandalia, Renee Hart of O’Fallon and Jamie Oliver of Alton, Ill.; seven great-grandchildren, Dagan Hoer of Mexico, Cash Hoer of Paris, Anneslee and Finnlee Eskew of Vandalia, Natalie and Sienna Hart of O’Fallon, and Cade Davis of Alton, Ill.; one brother, Virgil (Carolyn) Ferrier of Millersburg; one sister, Virginia Atkins of Kansas City; as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Betty, J.T. was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, Hugh Ferrier, Jr., Neoma, Darlene, Iona and infant Eunice; and a daughter, Sheila Eikel.
Memorial donations may be made to the Help Center or St. Brendan’s Chapter of St. Vincent de Paul Society. All may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.
