William E. "Bill" Perkins

A native of Muncie, Bill was a 1944 graduate of Muncie Central High School. He received his formal education in commercial art and design, advertising, sales and promotion in Chicago and Indianapolis. Bill’s winning career, spanning five decades, included pioneering early television at WKJG-TV33 as the promotion coordinator, when television first aired in 1953. He worked many years as the newspaper account executive for The South Bend Tribune, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette and Our Sunday Visitor, (now Today’s Catholic) where he held the title Advertising Manager.

Bill was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Fort Wayne Advertising Club, Fort Wayne Craftsman’s Club, Catholic Press Association and a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

He developed many friendships with his pleasant, outgoing personality. Bill never knew a stranger and he was highly respected by everyone who knew him. He was a humble man of integrity and honor, who loved his family and had an ardent love for babies and children. He was a musician, artist, master storyteller and a wealth of knowledge. He actually danced with Shirley Temple when he was a child in the 1930s.

Bill was a devoted and loving husband, dad, granddad and great-granddad. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have known him.

Surviving are his children, Mary (Steve) McCallister, William E. Perkins Jr, Joseph Perkins Sr and Rose (Mark) McLendon fourteen cherished grandchildren, fifteen precious great-grandchildren, many beloved nieces and nephews and several devoted friends. He was preceded in death by his dear wife Agnes, who was the “love of his youth and love of his life”, his parents Clarence and Kathryn C (Carlos) Perkins, his daughter Kathryn A Wert, his grandson Joshua J. Perkins, his brothers; James, Joseph, Clarence Jr., and John Perkins and his sister Rita B Coy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am Wednesday, December 16, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1122 S. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be held from 5 to 8pm, Tuesday, December 15, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne, with Rosary service at 7:30pm. Burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorial donations may be given to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, Memphis or Riley Children’s Hospital, Indianapolis.