David Lawrence Ferrell, 68, of rural Mayetta, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born October 10, 1957, in Holton, Kansas, the son of Claude V. and Esther L. (Miller) Ferrell. He graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1975. David was raised in the First Christian Church of Valley Falls and was a man of strong faith, studying the bible throughout his life.

The youngest of seven children, David was raised on a Grade A dairy farm where he developed a lifelong love and respect for animals. He was most at home in nature, enjoying quiet evenings by the fire listening to music with his family. A gifted craftsman and journeyman Mason, David had the rare ability to build or restore virtually anything, with a passion for breathing new life into vintage items such as historic buildings, tools, furniture, and statues.

David married Deborah Counter on March 31, 1992 in Eureka Springs, AR. Celebrating over 34 years of marriage and more than 41 years together. Above all, he was a deeply devoted and loving husband, father, and Papa.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Esther; two sisters, Claudette Ferrell Blevins and Mary Louise Wyckoff; and one brother, Clifford Ferrell.

Survivors include his wife, Deborah; daughter, Ellen Hutcheson (Mike); sister, Shirley Ferrell; brothers, Al Ferrell (Barb) and Bernard Ferrell (Sylvia); sister-in-law, Karen Ferrell; three grandchildren, Cooper, Brady, and Jackson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton, KS. Visitation will begin prior at 10:00 a.m.

Memorials may be given to Valley Falls VFW Post 3084 sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.

To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com