Dr. John Arthur McFerron's Obituary
Dr. John Arthur McFerron, a longtime Miami Optometrist, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Freeman Health Center in Joplin, Missouri. John was born in Miami to Arthur Samuel and Betty Jane (Moon) McFerron. John graduated from Miami High School; he followed his love of Music to the University of Tulsa, where he received a music scholarship. He went on to graduate from the Southern College of Optometry in 1980. He married the love of his life Julie Neely, and they made their home in Miami, where he would begin a forty-five-year optometry practice. John was still seeing patients whom he deeply cared for and was grateful for the opportunity to be an optometry provider in the community he grew up. John was a very accomplished trumpet player. He enjoyed hunting in his younger years and fly fishing later in life until his passing. He loved sharing his gourmet meals with friends and family. He was well known to share a wide variety of jokes both good and bad. John is preceded in passing by his Parents, Arthur and Betty McFerron.
Those who carry John’s legacy are his wife Julie McFerron of the home, his children Dr. Brian Arthur McFerron and his wife Nancy of Indianapolis, Indiana and Dr. Ashley McFerron Brittner and her husband Leonard of Lake Oswego, Oregon, his grandchildren Benjamin Arthur McFerron and Dez Brittner, along with his mother-in-law whom he shared a special relationship, Maggie Neely.
Visitation will be 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Fairland First United Methodist Church.
Services will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Miami with Reverend Tim Mixson officiating. Interment will follow at the Rolston Cemetery on Monkey Island under the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Miami.
Casketbearers will be Gary Brock, Dr. Chris Robinson, Michael Robinson, Bill Harsch, Dr. Chauncey Witcraft, and Lonnie Spencer.
The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to McFerron Family Nursing Endowment at NEO A&M College, the Fairland United Methodist Church, Backpack Program, or Teachers Toolbox at the Episcopal Church in Miami.
Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Dr. McFerron’s Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.
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