Allen Dean Perkins

Born in Laverne, Oklahoma, on July 24, 1942, to Anna Lahoma Dukes and Bennie Perkins, Allen grew up in Wewoka alongside his older brothers, Ronald and Roger, and his younger sister, Benora. A natural athlete, Allen spent his youth playing on his high school’s basketball and baseball teams.

In 1964, at the age of 21, Allen answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. He earned his wings and became an accomplished pilot, flying A-4 and A-7 jet aircraft. His love for flying was matched by his sense of adventure; he often fondly recalled the thrill of his early air training, which included flying just 20 feet above the floor of Death Valley and soaring under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

During the Vietnam War, Allen served with distinction as a Fighter Pilot and a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer aboard the USS Midway. Over the course of the conflict, he flew 187

combat missions and was shot down twice. During one harrowing incident over Haiphong, Allen ejected from his aircraft and landed in shallow water. With enemy fishing boats closing in, a rescue helicopter arrived. When the rescue crewman sent down to assist became too overwhelmed to help, a cool-headed Allen took charge, ordered the sailor back up, and successfully secured himself to the rescue line. For his extraordinary valor and sacrifice, which

left him with shrapnel in his leg, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart.

After 12 years of active service, Allen transitioned to civilian life as a crop-dusting pilot while continuing his military service in the U.S. Navy Reserves, ultimately retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

In 1983, Allen began a successful 25-year career as a Test Technician for Southern California Edison, retiring in 2008. It was during these years that he and his beloved wife, Karin, made their

home in Lancaster, California. There, Allen found great joy in the simple pleasures of life: the warmth of the desert sun, a quiet retirement, and the companionship of their cherished Schnauzers.

Allen’s legacy of bravery, humor, and deep love lives on in his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Karin; his children, Gregory and Allegra; his sister, Benora; his four grandchildren, Whitney, Sean, Max, and Evie; and his great-grandchildren, Emma and Luke. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Ronald and Roger.