WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Richard Earl Perry, age 79, of Burr Oak, passed away Wednesday morning, Feb. 20, 2013, at his home, while receiving loving care from his sweetheart of 61 years.
He was born Oct. 5, 1933, at the family farm in Burr Oak Township, the only child of Glenn and Wilma (Maxwell) Perry.
Mr. Perry was a lifelong Burr Oak area resident and a graduate of Burr Oak High School with the class of 1952. While a student at Burr Oak High School, he excelled in athletics.
On May 28, 1952, he married Janice Gest in LaGrange, Ind.
Mr. Perry was a tool & die maker and a plastics engineer traveling to many places including Canada and Japan to repair and maintain dies. He was a talented tool & die maker and plastics engineer, but what he truly loved was his farming.
His love of athletics followed him throughout his life. He participated in softball leagues while wintering in Florida, earning high batting average recognition and whenever possible he was following his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in their athletic endeavors. He was a strong man who proved many doctors wrong by beating the odds he was given.
The family would like to take a moment to thank Hospice of Sturgis workers Joanne, Debra and Julia; Lincare worker Jim; and special caregivers Mason, Addie and Ashlynn.
He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 60 years, Janice; a daughter, Carol Simonson of Burr Oak; three sons, David (Gayla) Perry of Nottawa, John (Karla) Perry of Centreville and Robert (Teresa) Perry of Constantine; seven grandchildren, Adam (Emily), Stacy (Mark), Misty (Justin), Michelle, Samantha (Ryan), Zackery and Courtney; and 12 great-grandchildren, Jaden, Cobi, Ethan, Baby B, Hudson, Lawton, Citori, Hunter, Gavin, Khylur, Brynlee and Harper.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or services.
Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, is entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091 or the Richard Perry Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund, c/o Burr Oak Community Schools, 326 E. Eagle St., Burr Oak, MI 49030.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
