Richard W. Perkins

Richard Walter Perkins, age 79, passed away on June 21, 2016, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, neighbor and friend. Richard was born on June 18, 1937, in Logan, Utah to Walter Glenn and Venna Hammond Perkins. He was the youngest of two children.

He married Anna Marie Bankhead in the Logan Temple August 5, 1960. They strived to build a good marriage and loving family. He attended grade school and Jr. High School in Wellsville, Utah. He graduated from South Cache High School in Hyrum, Utah where he played football, basketball and ran track. During these school years, Richard worked hard on the family farm. He became proficient in thinning sugar beets, milking cows and operating the farm equipment. These experiences led him to receiving a special Future Farmers of America Award.

Following graduation from High School in June 1955, Richard attended Utah State University on a Sears-Roebuck scholarship. From September 1957 to September 1959, he served as a full-time missionary in the West Central States Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following release from his mission he resumed his studies at Utah State University, graduating in June of 1961. While attending Utah State, Richard participated for four years in the Army R.O.T.C. program and in June of 1961, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. During the 1961-62 school year, Richard continued his studies in a Masters Degree Program (Business & Sociology). His wife Anna Marie continued to provide support while working. In May of 1962, Richard received his Army Orders and began his service as an Artillery Officer at Fort Sill, Oklahoma for two months and together with his wife for 22 months at Fort Lewis, Washington.

Upon his release from the service he and Anna Marie relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah where he enrolled in the College of Law at the University of Utah. While attending law school, Richard was active in the U.S. Army Reserve and attained the rank of Captain. He graduated with his Juris Doctorate Degree in June of 1967. For the next forty-five years he was in the private practice of the law retiring in September, 2012.

During his school years, L.D.S. Mission service, military service and years of law practice, he made numerous cherished associates and friendships.

Richard was a devoted husband and father. He took time to assist in coaching his children’s baseball, softball and basketball games. He was involved in many family activities with his children which extended to his grandchildren. He loved to play golf and had U of U football and basketball season tickets for many years with his wife and son.

Richard was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In addition to his service as a missionary, he served as an Aaronic Priesthood Adviser, Elders Quorum President, Teacher, Member of two High Councils, Sunday School President, Counselor in a Bishopric, Bishop, Member of a Stake Presidency and in other callings. Richard loved to serve his neighbors, friends and many who could not afford legal services.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Tamra, his parents, sister Madlyn Holladay and brother –in-law Hollis Holladay.

He is survived by his wife Anna Marie, their son Galen (Lyndie) and four grandchildren: Samantha Marie Koehler, Brooklyn, Katelyn and Jaxon Perkins; and nieces and nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Diabetes Association.