Joseph Donald Perkins

Joe was born on April 4th, 1975, in Lansing, Michigan, as the only boy of six children of Gary and Cherie Perkins. Growing up, Joe had infectious energy that lit up every room he entered. Not only was he a multi-sport athlete, having played football, basketball, wrestling, and track, he had a love for music, and sang in the Williamston High School choir. After his graduation in 1993, Joe attended Grand Valley and then set his sights on becoming an electrician.

In 1996 Joe met the love of his life, Rebecca Loveland, daughter of Dale and Laurie Loveland, and soon they were inseparable. On September 29th, 2001, Joe and Rebecca had their fairytale wedding on Mackinac Island. The two were blessed with their first child, Abigail, in 2002, followed by their son, Gabriel, in 2004.

As his family grew, his career took off as he mastered his craft, becoming a Master Electrician and General Foreman at Summit Contractors. Some of his accomplishments are the State Capital Infrastructure and Renovation project, the State Capital Heritage Hall Project, the Neogen building, and currently the Lansing Public Safety Project.

A larger-than-life soul who lived and loved BIG, Joe would turn a simple bonfire into an epic sing-along and was the friend to make everyone around him join in singing and laughing. With his famous smile, Joe was a connoisseur of the good life: On Cloud shoes, hats, aged bourbon and tequila, Two Hearted ales, and a maker of the ultimate Bloody Mary’s. Joe’s card games were his playground- he was unreasonably good at Euchre, a master at Cribbage with family and friends, and was always up for any game that sparked laughter. Joe didn’t just exist—he celebrated the moments, cooking on his grill, smoker, and Blackstone, gathering around bonfires, enjoying Lions and Spartan games with his friends and reminding us all to live with unbridled joy.

In celebrating Joe’s vibrant life, we remember a great man who made the world brighter, louder, and infinitely more fun. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and legendary stories that will keep us smiling forever.

Joe is survived by his wife, Rebecca Perkins and their two children Abbi and Gabe Perkins. He is also survived by his mother, Cherie Perkins, his father, Gary Perkins (Jean), and four sisters, Annette Richter, Amber Joachim (Donna), Michelle Partridge (Tim), and Jenny DeArment (Brad). Joe is also survived by his father and mother-in-law Dale and Laurie Loveland, his brothers-in-law Steven Loveland (Vicky) and David Loveland (Samantha) and all his much-loved nieces and nephews.

Joe is predeceased by his sister Kimmee.

His celebration of life includes a visitation on Monday, February 23rd at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. On Tuesday, February 24th at Grewal Hall, 224 S. Washington Square, Lansing, there will be a public visitation from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm with services at noon, and luncheon to follow.