Kenneth R. Perkins

Kenneth grew up in and around the Durant area and graduated from Blue High School in 1963, where he played both baseball and basketball. As a young man, he enjoyed swimming, water skiing and running. He met his wife, Mary, when she visited Oklahoma to see relatives. Kenneth soon followed his future wife to Lubbock, and on July 1, 1963, they were married.

In 1966, Kenneth was inducted into the United States Army. Kenneth was awarded the United States Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service, as well as his Expert Rifle Badge. His first post was at Fort Polk, Louisiana, where one of his most vivid memories was enduring long-distance marches in brutal heat and humidity, often while wearing rain gear—finding relief only when the frequent showers arrived. He was later stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. Despite the demands of Army life, Kenneth and his fellow soldiers made time to enjoy skiing at Broadmoor Ski Area on weekends. He advanced quickly, achieving the rank of E-5 in just 16 months, and often spoke fondly of his fellow sergeants, especially Sgt. Reevis. During this time, he also experienced the loss of his best friend in the Vietnam War.

While stationed in Colorado, Kenneth attended Colorado College, where he studied business and creative writing. During this period, he and Mary welcomed their son, Kenneth R. Perkins II.

After their time in Colorado—and living in four states and five cities—Kenneth and Mary eventually returned to Lubbock. Kenneth began working for Furr's Supermarkets as a forklift operator and rose through the ranks to become manager of the seasonal warehouse. After Furr’s ceased operations, he continued working with several companies before becoming a Weather Observer for the FAA CWO in Lubbock, a role he held until his retirement in 2019.

Kenneth was also an accomplished photographer, with his work featured on the covers of numerous magazines. One of his proudest achievements was having his photograph selected for the cover of True West, along with the publication of his manuscript as a feature article.

A devout Christian, Kenneth served as a counselor with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association during Billy Graham's August 1975 Crusade in Lubbock. He was also the Bus Ministry Captain at Antioch Baptist Church, where he helped lead many children to Christ. Kenneth later became a member of Bacon Heights Baptist Church, where he taught fifth-grade Sunday School for many years and served as the church photographer.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Mary, and his son, Kenneth, both of Lubbock, as well as his sister, Nancy Mullens of Mustang. He was preceded in death by his father, Elvin; his mother, Glennis; and his younger brother, Jerry.

Kenneth’s life was a testament to his faith, leaving a legacy of love, kindness, and service. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by many.