Moved to Ava three years ago Richard Anthony Perkins, age 78, was born Aug. 24, 1928, in Chicago, Ill. He departed this life on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, in Springfield, after a short illness.
On Dec. 11, 1965, he was united in marriage to Susan Brown. Richard lived in the Chicago, Ill., area, and Stevens Point, Wisc., before moving to Ava three years ago. Richard served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, earning a Bronze Service Star. He was a painter by profession, taking great pride in his work, whatever the size of the project, whether a water tower or Wal-Mart building.
He was devoted to his family. He and Susan shared activities such as dancing and bingo.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Dennis.
Richard is survived by his wife, Susan, of the home; three daughters, Donna and Tom Hilger, Isabella, Nancy Gyrch, Stevens Point, Wisc., and Dale and Harlan Phelps, Mtn. Grove; two sons, Donald and Chris Fabian, Las Vegas, Nev., and Richard Perkins Jr., Stevens Point, Wisc.; a sister, Jenny Reiman, Beecher, Ill.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; as well as a host of friends and other relatives.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, at Ava Family Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Roberts officiating. Burial was in the Ava City Cemetery with full military honors.
