David Lee Ferguson, welder, dies

David Lee Ferguson, a retired welder and pile driver operator, died Sept. 2 from complications after leg surgery at a hospice in St. Petersburg, Fla. He was 65.

Mr. Ferguson was born in Baltimore and raised on Kramme Avenue in Brooklyn Park. He attended Brooklyn Park High School and the Community College of Baltimore.

He served during the 1960s as a paratrooper with the Army's 82nd Airborne Division.

Mr. Ferguson, who was a member of Boilermakers Local 906, worked as a welder and pile driver operator until about a decade ago, when he retired on a medical disability.

During his career, he had worked on the second Bay Bridge and the Fort McHenry Tunnel, family members said.

Since 1998, Mr. Ferguson, who also maintained a home in Brooklyn Park, had a second home in St. Petersburg. He was an avid traveler and especially enjoyed traveling by ship.

He enjoyed listening to rhythm and blues.

Services are private.

Surviving are two sons, David A. Ferguson and Adam Ferguson, both of White Marsh; two daughters, Deborah Barnhart of Whiteford and Christine Breitigan of Hollywood, Fla.; a sister, Wanda Fosler of Westminster; five grandchildren; and his companion of 19 years, Jean Arthur. A marriage to the former Ruth Blahus ended in divorce.

fred.rasmussen@baltsun.com