Donald Burton Ferriman

Donald Burton Ferriman, an educator and a lifelong resident of Penfield Township, passed away September 17, 2015 at Mercy New Life Hospice with his wife at his side.

Donald was born on Rt. 301 in the township to Hart (Bus) and Ruth Betts Ferriman on July 31, 1931. In high school he was senior class president and played catcher and shortstop on the school baseball team. The highlight of his high school career was beating Lorain St. Mary's in basketball. Donald graduated from Penfield High School in 1949 and enrolled at The Ohio State University being the first in his family to go to college. A chance plane ride in his neighbor's Cessna set him on the path of Air Force ROTC. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1954 with a B. S. in education and a commission in the Air Force. He served three years in England.

His teaching career began at Ruggles-Troy School in the fall of 1954 as the Vo-Ag teacher. He would briefly serve as the Vo-Ag teacher at Wellington High School. His job included being the FFA advisor. He also held an adult Vo-Ag class and taught driver training in Wellington. Upon his return from England, he worked three years with Agrico selling fertilizer in Ashland

A former student in New London played matchmaker and on August 25, 1962 Donald married Julia Asire, a red haired beauty who was also an OSU graduate. Their marriage added two more "Buckeyes" to the state. Their two boys, Doug and Curt would each grow up to receive their doctorates from OSU, one in pharmacy and one in optometry. Both Donald and Julie were avid OSU football fans.

After attending the Summer Institute at the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque to learn the "new math", Donald was certified to teach math at Keystone Junior High School. In 1967 Donald received his master's degree in School Administration from Bowling Green State University. He became an assistant principal at Keystone High School. He also served as a guidance counselor and was an Industrial Arts instructor. Beginning in 1971 he served as principal of Penfield Elementary and West Carlisle School till he retired in 1984. He enjoyed being a 4-H advisor and counselor at the 4-H Camp on Kelly's Island.

In 1969 Donald and Julie moved into their new home on Rt. 18 east of Wellington. Seven years later the pond was dug on their fifty-seven acre farm. In retirement Donald worked for LMRE and Joyce and Co. He worked the ticket booth at the Lorain County Fair for many years. The traveling bug bit him which led to the purchase of a home in Florida in 1989 and many more trips there with the family. In 1997 Donald organized their trips to Australia, New Zealand, and Nova Scotia. There were trips taken also to Texas, California, Nevada, and Missouri.

Survivors include his wife of fifty-three years, Julie; his two sons, Douglas (Kelly) Ferriman of Cincinnati and Curtis (Michelle) Ferriman of Homerville; grandchildren, Maleah, Noah, Trevor, Isabella, Owen, Samuel, and Jack. He is also survived by his brothers, Edward (Shirley) Ferriman of Wellington and Robert Ferriman of Newton Falls.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 12:00 on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at Penfield Community Church, 40775 State Route 18 East, followed at noon by a memorial service celebrating the life of Donald Ferriman. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Stephen Olsen. Burial will be at Penfield Cemetery. Memorials may be made to South Lorain County Ambulance District, 179 Herrick Avenue East, Wellington, Ohio 44090 or to the Penfield Historical Society, 41012 State Route 18, Wellington, Ohio 44090.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Norton-Eastman Funeral Home and online condolences may be given at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.

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