Edward Ferguson
May 21, 1931 - June 09, 2024
Obituary
Edward J “Scott” Ferguson, Colonel USAF Retired of Billings, MT passed away on June 9, 2024.
Scott was born on May 21st, 1931, in Anaconda, MT to Gladys and Peter Ferguson. He attended school in Sidney, MT where he lived with his late aunt Amble and uncle Chris Hanson. While living in Sidney he learned to fly using his own money that was earned from buying, breeding, and selling wild horses at the age of 17.
After graduating from high school in 1950, he joined the Air Force.
In January 1951, during the Korean war, he served as an aircraft mechanic. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1952 and was selected to attend pilot training. He graduated in 1953 and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant.
He flew worldwide in Military Air Transport units and with Air Force Special Air Missions as a VIP Pilot.
He was stationed twice in Korea and Japan, once in the Philippines, and Vietnam where he commanded an Air Force Transport Unit. He was also stationed at McChord AFB for 7 years and Andrews AFB in Washington D.C. for 6 years where he served as Chief of Aircraft Maintenance, Instructor Pilot, and Deputy Commander.
He was promoted to Colonel in 1973. He retired from the regular Air Force in 1977 while serving at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.
After retiring, he began a second career in corporate aviation before retiring in 1994, but he continued to fly his Cessna 310, one of many aircraft he owned over the years. He was a licensed pilot for over 70 years and veteran of more than 17,000 hours in the air.
He enjoyed flying, traveling, boating, and spending time at his cabin on Fort Peck. Scott was also a member of many social and professional organizations.
He is survived by Marian his wife of 66 years, his son John (and his wife Michelle), daughter Kristin, grandson Joshua Byram (and his wife Talia), granddaughter Sarah Byram, and great-grandchildren Sloane and Elon Byram, Alayna and Mason.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Church on June 20th.
Rite of committal will follow at Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel.