History

Andrew D. Ferguson, Sr., started in the funeral industry in 1921, with the William S. Nixon Funeral Home in Uniontown, originally established in 1901. He and his wife, Lillian Nixon Ferguson, lived above the funeral home. The Andrew D. Ferguson Funeral Home was established in 1928, where the American Red Cross Center stands. The funeral home was moved to the Greed revival style mansion across the street to its present location, 80 Morgantown Street, Uniontown (The Edgar S. Hackney Estate built in 1900) in 1937. Lillian ran the funeral home while raising four children after Mr. Ferguson’s death. Jack McFadden assisted her in sustaining the business until her son A.D. Ferguson took over in 1961. Andy Ferguson joined his father in 1988.

Andy is a life member of the Academy of Funeral Service Practitioners. He was a consultant for the Pennsylvania Department of Education assisting in the licensing of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science’s online education program, and a preceptor for the Institute.

Andrew D. Ferguson Funeral Home and Crematories, Inc., offers free funeral services to any police officer or firefighter who dies in the line of duty. Family and Veteran Plans are also available. The Ferguson Funeral Home will assist your family with end of life decision making documents and procedures for traditional or contemporary funeral or memorial services.

Many innovative services are offered at the Ferguson Funeral Home, including notifying social security, veteran’s organizations, insurance companies, pension/retirement plans and many other important providers. We contact the family two days after the funeral to tie up loose ends. After two weeks, a breakfast basket is sent to the home and, after two months, we inform them of grief support options. After six months we deliver a pie and, one year after the loss, an anniversary rose in remembrance of the loved one lost. A tree also is planted in memory of the loved one lost. Identification viewings are available for families of direct cremation. In addition to offering Fayette County’s first funeral home website, we are also the only funeral home with support grieving groups and a grief lending library, the only funeral home developing personalized DVDs, portraits and an angel ornaments in-house, and state-of-the-art video and sounds system. We also have a refrigeration unit on-site for extended services, an international shipping service for the convenience of families transporting a deceased loved one to or from any destination, and Life Appreciate and Life Celebration Services.

The Ferguson Family and the staff of the Ferguson Funeral Home extends its hand to help community families through life’s most important transitions with true compassion for 150 years. Visit the Ferguson’s branch office, Ferguson-Brownfield Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., in Smithfield. It was formerly the Brownfield Funeral Home and Vance Funeral Home, established in 1869.

OBITUARIES

RECENT OBITUARIES

Chad J. Baron

Chad J. Baron, age 48, of Brownsville, passed away Saturday, September 30, 2023 in Penn-Highlands Mon Valley Hospital, after a long illness. He was born June 11, 1975 in Brownsville, PA, son of Patricia R. Grabowsky of Ohio and the late James J. Baron. Chad was a graduation of Brownsville High School with the class of 1993. He was a manager for many years at Advanced Auto Parts before becoming disabled. Chad enjoyed his family and being a video gamer. Left to cherish Chad’s memory is his son, Michael J. Baron and wife Mallory Baron of Belle Vernon ; a grandson, Theodore Baron of Belle Vernon; a sister, Michelle Sebek and husband Larry of Belle Vernon and their children, Alexis and Logan. Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIES, INC., 80 Morgantown St., Uniontown, PA, where the family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 4 PM until 6 PM followed by a service celebrating Chad’s life at 6 PM with Pastor Jim Jobes officiating. Interment will be private. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at adferguson.com and on the funeral home Facebook page.

Robert G. Zele

Robert G. Zele, age 89, of Uniontown, passed away, Sunday, October 1, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 11, 1933 in Royal, PA son of the late Joseph Zele and Mildred White Zele. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Zele. Robert was a 1951 graduate of Redstone High School. He was a member of Pleasant View Presbyterian Church. Robert served in the United States Navy. He was a life member of AMVETS Post #103 and a life member of Hutchinson Sportsmen’s Club. Left to cherish Robert’s memory are his loving wife of 60 years, Jenny L. Davison Zele; sons, Robert J. Zele and wife Jessica of Uniontown and Alan L. Zele and wife Arlene of Beaver, PA; grandchildren, Kaitlyn L. Zele, Angelique Mari and fiancé` Mark Yuratovich and great grandchildren, Alaina Mari and Bryson Yuratovich. Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIES, INC., 80 Morgantown St., Uniontown, PA where the family will greet family and friends on Thursday, October 5^th from 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 until 8 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday from 10 until 11 AM followed by a service celebrating Robert’s life at 11:00 with Pastor Bryan Kelley officiating. Military rights will be accorded by Amvets Post #103. Interment will be private at the Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to General George C. Marshal AMVETS Post #103 of Hopwood, PA. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at adferguson.com or on the funeral home Face Book page.

James A. O’Brien, Sr.

James A. O’Brien, Sr., age 77, of Uniontown, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 28, 1945 in Uniontown son of the late Joseph Leo O’Brien and Ada Catherine Moxley O’Brien. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William O’Brien and mother-in-law, Regina Twardesky. James was a graduate of St. John’s High School and served in the US Army Reserves. He was employed by Plumbers and Pipefitters LU354 and spent the majority of his career working for Chapman Corporation in Washington, PA. He was a life member of the Union Hose Company of the Uniontown Fire Department. James was a member of St. John’s RC Church where he served as an usher and collection counter. He was a coach and officer for the R.W. Clark Little League for 15+ years. He also enjoyed scratch-off lottery tickets. Left to cherish James’ memory are his wife of 54 years, Gloria Twardesky O’Brien of Uniontown; sons, Shawn P. O’Brien (Christine) of Pittsburgh, James A. O’Brien, Jr. (Gina) of Waynesburg, Christopher H. O’Brien (Kim) of Uniontown and Todd M. O’Brien (Mandy) of Uniontown; brother, Patrick O’Brien of Uniontown; sisters, Mary Ann Welc (Robert) of Scottdale and Sheila Greer (Sha) of Connellsville; grandchildren, Megan, Logan, Jordan, Braeden, Tanner, Brooklyn and step-grandchildren, Zachary, Ryan (Grace), and Emily. Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 80 Morgantown St., Uniontown, PA. where family and friends will be received on Sunday, October 1^st from 2 until 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday from 8:30 until 9:15 followed by Prayers of Transfer. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating James’ life will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church with Father Anthony Klimko officiating. Interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff of Amedisys Hospice Services for the compassionate care given to their loved one. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of James “Turkey” O’Brien to Union Hose Company, 84 N. Beeson Ave., Uniontown, PA 15401. A parish prayer vigil will be held at 4:00 p.m. Uniontown Fire Department will conduct a service at 6:00 p.m. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at adferguson.com and on the funeral home Facebook page.

Donald R. Ashton, Sr

Donald R. Ashton, Sr., age 91, of Uniontown, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 15, 2023. Don was born February 4, 1932 in Oliver #3. He was the son of the late Clarence Ashton, Sr. and Katherine Haggerty Ashton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Clarence Jr., Ronald and Jim. Don was a graduate of North Union High School. He was a member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church. Don served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a member of the VFW Post #8542, as well as American Legion #51. He was a steel worker with Duquesne Works, and one of the founders of the Valley Sportsman’s Club. Upon retirement, Don dedicated his life to his three passions: sports, community service, and family. Don enjoyed playing poker with family, friends and some of the communities more interesting characters. He was a skilled and driven softball player, playing on several tournament teams into his 80’s. He helped one of those teams win the Senior Softball World Series and was the team’s MVP. Service was the second hallmark of Don’s life. Don volunteered for over 35 years with various organizations. He delivered homebound meals for Community Action, and was a dedicated volunteer for Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. Don shared his love of service with his grandchildren by including them in his outreach creating a legacy that lives on today. Don’s dedication to his family was his greatest gift. He enjoyed the many hours spent with his grandchildren and great[1]grandchildren. Left to cherish Don’s memory are his soul mate of 63 years, Carol Jordan Ashton; children, Donald Ashton, Jr. (Michael), Randy Ashton (Lisa), Terri Sharp (John); brother, Richard Ashton and sister, Betty Conn; grandchildren, Lyndsay Rice (Jeremy), Alec Sharp (Haley), Alexa Ashton, Demi Ashton, Gage DeLorenzo, great grandchildren Ayva, Waylon “The Duke” and Jace, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME. A memorial service celebrating the life of Don will be held on Saturday, October 21st at Trinity United Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends from 9:00-11:00 followed by a service with Pastor Frank Vargo officiating. Donations in memory of Don can be made to Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, 79 W. Fayette Street, Uniontown, PA 15401. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at adferguson.com and on the funeral home Facebook page