John "Felder" Gurganus

John “Felder” Gurganus, age 88, of Palestine, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, the 8th day of February 2024. He was born on the 28th day of January 1936, in Palestine, Texas, to parents Floyd Gurganus and Maybell Hocutt.

Felder's early years in Palestine laid the foundation for a life full of enthusiasm and determination. He carried these traits into his professional life, becoming a successful business owner of G&G Equipment Company, Energy Equipment Exchange, and Energy Machine and Welding. Over 41 years, Felder's entrepreneurial spirit and integrity in business cultivated countless relationships that blossomed into lifelong friendships. Colleagues and associates alike would often remark that Felder was truly "one of a kind."

Felder was a man who lived for the thrill of adventure and the open road. His passion for fast cars, motorcycles, and boats was a testament to his adventurous spirit. But above all, he valued honesty, integrity, and the importance of hard work.

He is preceded in death by his father, Floyd Gurganus; mother, Maybell Campbell; and brother, Rodney Gurganus.

A patriarch in every sense of the word, Felder led his family with a steady hand and an open heart. He is survived by his devoted sons, Felder Glenn Gurganus and his wife Kelley, Gary Lynn Gurganus and his wife Annette, Gregg Darren Gurganus and his wife Sylvia; his adoring sister, Cheryl Smith; and his loving brothers, Adrian Gurganus and his wife Linny, and Johnny Gurganus and his wife Malane. Felder's role as a grandfather was one of his greatest joys, reflected in the lives of his eight grandchildren: Casey Gurganus (Carroll) of Dallas, Charles Gurganus (Elizabeth) of College Station, Katie Stephens (Trey) of College Station, Alex Daugherty (Austin) of Tyler, Natalie Pierron (Chris) of Houston, Brittni Gurganus of Tyler, Gregg Gurganus, Jr. (Sandy) of Palestine, and Grace Gurganus of Palestine, and 11 wonderful great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Each of them carries forward a piece of Felder’s indomitable spirit.

A memorial service to celebrate Felder’s life is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon, on Saturday, the 17th day of February 2024, in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. Dan Manuel officiating the service.

The family will hold a private inurnment at a later date.

Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Rhone Funeral Home.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Heart to Heart Hospice for their love and care they provided for the family.

Cremation and memorial services for John “Felder” Gurganus are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. 

Fond memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared with his family electronically by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John "Felder" Gurganus, please visit our floral store.