David Anthony Perryman

David Anthony Perryman, 81, passed away on August 20, 2025, at his home in Katy, Texas, after a two year health battle. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gene Thibodeaux, father George Perryman, mother, Betty Perryman, who passed away on the same date 24 years earlier, and by his beloved wife of 53 years, Lea Ann Perryman, with whom he is now reunited after two years apart.

He was born on Leap Day, February 29, 1944, to Rufus and Betty Mae (Rowzee) Thibodeaux in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and was later adopted by his stepfather, George Perryman.

David grew up in Houston and cherished fond memories of the adventures he shared with his older brother, Gene Thibodeaux, in both Texas and Louisiana. After graduating from Marian Christian High School, he attended Texas A&M University. A proud member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 1966, he earned a BBA in Accounting but missed his graduation ceremony, having enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning and then deployed to Vietnam, where he was awarded many medals and honors including a Bronze Star, Air Medal during Vietnam, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Army Meritorious Unit Commendation Citation.

A deeply humble man, David rarely discussed the war and his job as an Army accountant, traveling the countryside in helicopters with large lockers of cash. He cherished his time in the Army, sharing only lighthearted stories with his family. When asked about his awards, he would say he didn’t like to talk about them, and you had to be there to understand. His final rank was First Lieutenant in the 1st U.S. Cavalry (Airmobile) Division.

After leaving the service in 1969, David settled in Houston, Texas, where he met his future wife and best friend, Lea Ann (Wheatley). Living at the same apartment complex, Lea Ann had met David’s roommate and was chatting with him when David walked in. Three months later, the couple was married at the Harmony Wedding Chapel and honeymooned in the Bahamas.

David loved being a dad to his daughters, Angie and Amy, who both followed in his footsteps by attending Texas A&M. One summer during their college years, the trio worked together at Quality Beverage, singing “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” on their drives to work and sipping cold sodas on the way home. David always inspired his daughters to be independent and self-reliant.

In his later years, David enjoyed being with his wife, family, and cat Tammy, staying informed about politics, and watching Texas Aggie football.

Mr. Perryman is survived by his daughters, Angela Peters (married to Keith) and Amy Shield (married to Dave); his grandchildren, Nathan, Sarah, Zachary, and Isaac; and his niece, Maggie (Thibodeaux) Rivera (married to Luis).

Following cremation, David and Lea Ann will be laid to rest together at Houston National Cemetery. He will be deeply missed by his family.