Robert Wayne Perkins

Another angel joined the ranks when the Lord called home Robert Wayne Perkins on March 1, 2021. Robert takes his place at the Perkins Family table and casts off the pain he’s endured these past few years as he rejoices in the company of his family and friends who have gone before.

Robert Wayne was born in Merkel, Texas on November 7, 1945 to Floyd and Myrtle Perkins. He was the youngest son of 7 children. The family moved to Abilene in 1951 where he attended school graduating from Cooper High School in 1965. He made many friends during those years and attended the 60’s Reunions whenever possible. Shortly after graduation he was drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served his country in the jungles of Vietnam earning a Bronze Star. After being honorably discharged he returned home to Texas settling first in Arlington then relocated to New Braunfels. While living in the Hill Country he worked for Ladshaw Explosives blasting the way for the University of Texas at San Antonio. He had the opportunity to relocate for a time to Hazard, KY and Gillette, WY returning to Texas with plenty of tall tales to entertain the family, especially his nephews and nieces who adored and idolized their Uncle Robert Wayne. The tall tales and adoration continued throughout his life within several generations. He was the young, cool bachelor Uncle with the 1972 Corvette convertible!

Robert didn’t have a set vocation preferring different careers which allowed him to live in the Hill Country, on the Texas Coast, close to his folks and family in Abilene, and in the DFW area. About 20 years ago he settled in Maypearl where he quickly planted roots and struck up friendships. He enjoyed hanging out at the Busy Bee, or Moe’s or just sitting on the bench downtown people watching and gossiping. He enjoyed the small-town life where he and Heidi dog could walk to the Post Office or to the Tiger Mart for coffee. He was often seen roaring through town astride his Suzuki Intruder off on another weekend adventure to Cranfills Gap or Hico with his biker buddies.

Wherever Robert lived family was always welcome and many a family member crashed on his couch or held slumber parties in his living room. Nephews enjoy memories of hunting trips, hanging out watching baseball, football, NASCAR or Indie car races with their Uncle Robert Wayne. Robert Wayne was the perfect host taking time off to show you the Fort Worth Stockyards, Longhorn Caverns, and Wurstfest to name a few. On the flip side it was always a side-splitting laugh fest when Robert Wayne come to visit. Exaggeration and embellishment were often the order of the day. You never knew what would come out of his mouth.

Although Robert Wayne could be crotchety and a loner at times, he had an enormous heart. He loved and supported family. He served on the overnight ICU watch when his oldest brother was hurt; he was the waiting room comedian when his nephew had surgery in Dallas; he was the moral support for nieces when they buried the loves of their lives; he was the uplifting spirit to his baby sister during her illness; he was the initiator of two nephews playing football at HSU; he was the stand in father figure. He was there when needed without question. Until 2019 he never missed a Perkins Family Reunion. He delighted in reminiscing and aggravating everyone. No one was immune from his teasing – no one was left out on the love. The memories of those gatherings will never be forgotten.

Robert had several titles: Son, Brother, Cousin, Uncle, Dad, but his most favorite was being “Papa” to his two grand-daughters. They were the apples of his eye entertaining him with their antics and growing up too fast. Amanda, Hailey, Heather, Jordan, and Casey – always remember how very special you were to your Dad & Papa. His love was limitless.

Welcoming Robert Wayne to his heavenly home are his parents, brother Raymond Perkins and wife Dannie; brother John Perkins; baby sister Carolyn Gutzke and husband Ron; brother-in-law Jim Stevens; brother-in-law Robert Brockman and nephew-in-law Toby Tobias.

Left to cherish his memory and savor his tall tells are his daughter Amanda Pauley and husband Mike; grand-daughters Hailey, Heather, and Jordan Lutz; daughter Casey Ferguson and husband Randy; sisters Dorothy Rupp and husband Robert, Mary Stevens, Peggy Deen and husband Gerald; a passel of nephews & nieces including greats and great-greats, a slew of cousins, and many friends including his long-time friend and best bud George Paxton. Also left to mourn his passing is his sweet Heidi dog.

Serving as Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers are his nieces and nephews who are the ones honored to repay the love given over his 75 years on this earth.

You leave us way too soon for a far better place. Thanks for everything Robert Wayne – We LOVE you!

Remember me in your heart, your thoughts, your memories of the times we loved, the times we cried, the times we fought, the times we laughed. For if you always think of me, I will never be gone.