Ferol P. Gehring Ii

Ferol Preston Gehring II, 79, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2015.

He was born August 14, 1936 in Girard, Kansas, the son of Ferol Preston and Sue Wadsworth (Bruney) Gehring. He was a 1954 graduate of Atchison High School and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor's in Science at the University of Kansas. He served in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam.

After serving in the military, Ferol moved to Chicago, New York and finally to St. Louis working for C.I.T. Financial Corp, holding the position of Mortgage Banker from 1960-1966. In 1966 he relocated to Atchison to become part owner/operator with his father of F.P. Gehring Inc. He would become CEO of the company in 1985 to serve this capacity until 2006 when he retired.

He was a member of the Valley Falls United Methodist Church, "his endeavor to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and effect a perfusion of His words". He was a 55 year member of the Associated General Contractors of Kansas. He held offices at J.G. Masonry and Crown Masonry, both of Kansas City, Kodiak Constructors of Independence, MO. He was member and Past Exalted Ruler of BPOE (Elks Club), member of Masonic Lodge No. 158, AF & AM, Kansas York Rite, Arab Shrine, Antiques Unit in Topeka and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity at KU. He was also Past-President and Past Lt. Governor of the Atchison Kiwanis Club; Big Game Hunter of USA; Ducks Unlimited; Canadian Forestry Association; University Alumni Association; Board Member of Camp St. Maur of Atchison, KS; Charter member and Past-President of OSFI Club, Atchison. He was a Master Judge for Kansas City BBQ Society.

Ferol married Sarah Dunlap on June 29, 1968 in Kansas City, MO. She preceded him in death on June 29, 1989. He married May Irene "Mazie" Kirkham on November 30, 1991 in Atchison, KS. She survives. Other survivors include six children, Kevin Bohannon, Valley Falls; Crystal (Mike) Carson, Topeka; Melissa Fialkowski(Tony Renner, Ozawkie); Donnie (Ronda) Bohannon, Holton; Krista (fiancée, Natalee) Gehring, Houston, TX; and William Gehring, El Dorado, KS; 18 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; five nieces and nephews; and a cousin, Shirley Ellen Edmundson, Grants, NM.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John G. Gehring and cousins, Betty Ruth Young and Jay Pat Gehring.

Ferol's hobbies included hunting, fishing, History and Christian Lay Ministry. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend who loved to spend time with his family, telling jokes and stories.

A funeral ceremony will be 10 a.m., Saturday, September 5, 2015 at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, KS 66608. Cremation will follow the ceremony. Private inurnment will be at the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Atchison, KS.

Ferol will lie in state after 3 p.m., Friday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6-7:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Hospital Travel Fund, C/o Arab Temple, Topeka, KS 66612 or Valley Falls United Methodist Church, 410 Frazier St, Valley Falls, KS 66088.

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