GREENWOOD
William (Bill) Henry McFerran, 84, of Greenwood passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Greenwood Village South. Bill was born in Indianapolis to Henry and Josephine McFerran on March 15,1940. He received his undergraduate degree from Hanover College and obtained his master’s degree in physics from Purdue University. He continued his education taking several different courses from different universities as he was passionate about his education. During his 43 years of teaching at Greenwood High School, he was the faculty in charge of the math bowl teams who were successful in bringing home first place. He worked in tandem with Indiana University of Bloomington so his physics students who passed the final exam would receive college credit. He was awarded Indiana’s Teacher of the Year in Physics for several years. Those students at Greenwood High School could have witnessed his alter ego, “Captain Cosine,” in his classroom wearing a cape and mask as he felt engaging his students was a top priority. During the summer of 1991 at Idaho University, he was part of a collaborative group of mathematicians and scientists who researched the effects of high temperatures on specific kinds of ceramic coatings for different applications including coating for reentry of spacecraft. After retirement from GHS, he taught physics at Franklin College and different math courses at Ivy Tech. Bill enjoyed working with his brother, Andy, at the Indianapolis 500 and watching Nascar and was a fan of the Colts and Purdue. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Jan, and their favorite trip was his cruise through Alaska.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Ellen McFerran who were married for 61 years. He is survived by his son, Matt McFerran; daughter, Ann (John) Moore; brothers: Thomas Julian (Jill) McFerran and Phillip Andrew (Carolyn) McFerran; grandchildren: David Moore, Rachel Moore, Madison McFerran, and Makenna McFerran.
A funeral service will be 12:00 p.m., Friday, September 27th at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service &Crematory, Greenwood Chapel 481 W. Main Street, Greenwood, Indiana with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to service time. Bill will be laid to rest in Danville South Cemetery, Danville, Indiana.
Any donations can be given in honor of Bill McFerran to the Greenwood Presbyterian Church, 102 W. Main Street, Greenwood, Indiana 46142. You are invited to read Bill’s obituary at www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com where you may sign the guest book and leave a personal message for the family.
