Eugene (Gene) Douglas Perkins Sr., age 85, passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. He was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on October 26, 1936, to James Philemon Perkins and Lula Grace Hendricks Perkins. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1954. After boot camp, he was stationed in Japan. In 1958, he transferred to Corpus Christi, TX, where he met and married the love of his life, Mary Louise Lopez. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage and shared 4 children, 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
Gene had the gift of gab, and he transferred his charisma and sense of humor to the route sales industry, retiring from ButterKrust Bakeries. His retirement was filled with several joyous years of spending time with his family and his favorite pastime, watching the St. Louis Cardinals, even attending 2 Cardinals World Series games in person. Gene consistently met with his friends on a weekly basis at the local Whataburger for coffee and conversation or the local watering hole for beers and BS. He also devoted his time to the Elks Lodge where he served as an officer.
Throughout his life, he showcased his dance moves, spinning Mary Lou around with a fancy kick of his feet. They were always the King and Queen of the dance floor. He was a devoted father, often coaching and umpiring his kids’ games. Gene was known as a jokester, constantly teasing his kids and grandkids. He went to great lengths to make people laugh, even if it meant pulling out his dentures to prank the little ones. His mischievous laugh will always be remembered.
After battling colon cancer for over 2 years, Gene succumbed to his illnesses surrounded by family and prayer. Gene is preceded in death by his father and mother, James Philemon and Lula Grace Perkins, and sister, Lynda Jo Palmer.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, the love of his life and dear wife, Mary Lou, his sister, Elizabeth Carol John, his brother, Roy Frederick Perkins (Pam), his brother-in-law, Josemaria Lopez (Gregg), his 4 children, Carol (Rick) Mandel, Gene (Lisa) Perkins, Amy Perkins, and Jimmy (Michelle) Perkins, all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Alana (Steven), James (Cece), John and his sons Eugene and Liam, Jay, Kristina and her daughter Leighton Grey, his niece, nephews, and many, many friends.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 27, 2022 at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 IH 37 Access Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78409.
Services are entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel-Everhart, 4901 Everhart Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78411.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CageMillsFuneralDirectors.com for the Perkins family.
