Pleaze David Ferguson

Pleaze David Ferguson, age 99, of Keechi, Texas, passed away September 17, 2026, in Palestine, Texas. He was born January 28, 1927, in Keechi to William Thurman Ferguson and Cassie Lue (Peterson) Ferguson.

Pleaze was raised in the Keechi community and attended school there. When World War II broke out, he answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army. His military service included service as an Atomic Veteran, a distinction his family remained especially proud of.

After returning home, Pleaze worked in the oil field before moving to Splendora, Texas, to work and stay with family. It was there that he met Betty Sue Hayden. The two were married on August 31, 1952, beginning a marriage that would span seventy-four years.

Pleaze and Betty eventually returned to Keechi, where they made their home and raised their three sons, David, Thomas Ray, and Kenneth. Please turned to farming and raising hogs and became known for growing some of the best peas and watermelons around.

But of all the things he grew and tended during his long life, Pleaze was most proud of his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren held an especially dear place in his heart. He was happiest with the little ones close by—often down on the floor playing with them, rocking babies in his arms while singing a tune. Those simple moments became some of the family’s most treasured memories of him.

Pleaze and Betty also enjoyed playing 42 with their friends for many years. He was a longtime member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Keechi, where his faith and community remained an important part of his life.

In his later years, Pleaze was honored at the Leon County Veteran’s Appreciation Day event as the oldest living World War II veteran in attendance. His nearly century-long life was marked by service to his country, hard work, devotion to his family, and deep roots in the Keechi community.

Pleaze was preceded in death by his parents, William Thurman and Cassie Lue Ferguson; an infant daughter, Betty; brother, Ernest Ferguson, Sr.; sister, Jessie Mae Hayden; and grandson, Thomas “Bubba” Ferguson.

He is survived by his wife of seventy-four years, Betty Ferguson; sons, David and wife, Carolyn Ferguson, Thomas Ray Ferguson, and Kenneth and wife, Jill Ferguson; nine grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Bobby Jolly & wife, Mary; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A funeral service honoring Pleaze's remarkable life will be held 10 A.M., Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Walters' Buffalo Funeral Home, Buffalo, Texas, with burial to follow in Keechi Cemetery.  A time of visitation and remembrance will take place from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M., Monday, September 21, 2026, also at the funeral home. Pastor of Calvary Christian Center, Jack Smith, will officiate the service.

Pallbearers:  Charles Fields, Jerry Hays, Jim Sullivan, Mike Patton, Trent Ferguson, Johann Wilson

Honorary Pallbearers:  Sammy Johnson, Ernie Ferguson, Jacob DeLeon, Aaron Wilson

Arrangements are entrusted to Walters' Buffalo Funeral Home, Buffalo, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.