Johnny McFerren

Johnny McFerren, a Marthaville native, earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial education in 1955, a master’s degree in administration and supervision in 1957 and Plus 30 at the University of Arkansas.  He taught for 12 years in Natchitoches and Caddo parishes and served on the Caddo Parish School Board for 12 years where he was elected president his last year. He was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1980 from District 7 that covers south Caddo and DeSoto parishes and retired in 1996 with a total of 16 years of service.  He served on several legislative committees, including Retirement and Education, and served as vice chairman and chairman on the Education Committee.  He was selected as a commissioner to the Education Commission of the States.

In 2017, Gov. John Bel Edwards appointed McFerren to the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, the governing board for Northwestern State and eight other universities.  He was also a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He passed away Aug. 2, 2018.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Patsy Moss McFerren.  They are survived by two children and three grandchildren.