Richard Odell Perkins

Richard Odell Perkins

KAYSVILLE- Richard Odell Perkins passed away at the age of 92 on Saturday November 9, 2013 in his home with family by his side. Although his mind and spirit remained young his body suddenly could not keep up. His witty sense of humor was intact even until he could no longer speak. He was born in Kaysville on January 28, 1921 the third son of William Richard Perkins and Mamie Coombs. He attended Kaysville Elementary, and graduated from Davis High School in 1939; lettering as an Athletic Manager for working with the basketball, baseball, and football teams. He participated on the track team running the half-mile placing fifth in State. After graduation he attended Weber College Vocational School in machinist trade courses.

He met Dorothy Christensen and spent time courting her at the roller skating rink. They married September 19, 1941 in the Salt Lake Temple and had four children. She passed away 40 years later.

While working as a civilian at Hill Field Air Force Base, he was drafted for WWII in the summer of 1942 to be an engine overhaul mechanic; was stationed at Hill Field until being sent overseas to England in August of 1943. In October 1945 he ended his service as a Sergeant in the Army Air Corps and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. After the war he continued employment with HAFB for 35 years and became an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor on the B-24 and B-29 lines. With every intention to remain retired, however, he soon became employed with the Facilities Maintenance group for the LDS Church servicing local buildings in the Kaysville/Fruit Heights area. His work ethic was unprecedented, having worked another 25 years he retired for a second time at the age of 82. He could be found at the top of a ladder, riding the lawn mower "tractor" around the yard, digging in the dirt, or cutting down trees and always tackling the honey-do projects inside and out. This was his exercise and the work kept him going.

In 1984, square dancing was a social highlight for him; this is where he met his wife to be, Kathleen Reusser. They married in the Ogden Temple December 18, 1985. He was brave to take on the responsibility of a second family with seven children that needed a man and father like him in their life so badly. In 1988 he adopted the youngest of the children Sam and Kristy, but showed love and treated all seven as his own.

He remained a faithful member of the Kaysville 20th Ward in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the office of High Priest holding a variety of callings over the many years. Most recently, as a Ward Librarian with instructions to new Bishops not to ever dare release him. While serving as Scout Master in the scouting program he was able to achieve the Eagle Scout Award with Bronze, Gold, and Silver Palms. He lived a life of service and set an example of forgiveness and unconditional love, always bearing a quiet testimony through his actions.

Survived by his wife Kathleen, daughters Susan (James) Butler, Kayleen (Aaron) Rich, Kristy (Dee) Jensen, and daughters-in-law Jana Stinger, Barbara Perkins, sons Richard Stinger, Joshua (Maribel) Stinger, Samuel Perkins, and son-in-law Robert Loftquist, 16 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, brothers Merrill, Harold (Ruth), Eugene (Shirley), Vaughn (Birchall) and sisters Elaine Roberts, Beverly (Frank) Ferrante, and Marsha (Ken) Rackham. Preceded in death by his parents, first wife Dorothy, five children Colleen, Robert, Blaine, Peggy Anne, and Robb Stinger and brother Dean Perkins.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Kaysville 20th Ward Chapel, 855 E. Mutton Hollow Road. Friends may visit family Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Kaysville Mortuary, 400 North Main and Saturday from 11:30 to12:30 p.m. at the church. Interment, Kaysville City.

The family thanks the staff members at McKay Dee Hospital wound center, Advanced Spinal Rehabilitation, and Abundant Life Home Health and Hospice for the great care they''ve provided over the last few years. With special mention to his nurse Josie; you went above and beyond for Dad to which he was ever so grateful and we will never forget; you lightened our load and showed true compassion.