Thomas Perkins

Passed peacefully one week after celebrating his 97th birthday.

Tom was born in New Monterey to Thomas V. & Mabel Perkins. He graduated from Monterey Union High School in 1944. Went to work for the California Department of Forestry in the summer of 1943. He work for the CDF for over 40 years, retiring in 1986 as Ranger-In-Charge of the San Benito/Monterey Ranger Unit. From 1977 – 1986 he was the Monterey County Fire Warden.

Tom joined the Army in 1944, he was a Combat Infantry Man during WW II, serving in the 7th Infantry Division during the battle of Okinawa from April 10, 1945 to June 23, 1945. He served 14 months during the occupation of Korea and was discharged as a S.F.C. He returned to the CDF in 1946, as a Foreman in the Santa Clara Ranger Unit. In 1950, he was called back to service during the Korean War, serving an additional 14 months. Between active duty and being a Reserve, Tom spent 15 years in the Army, being discharged as an Infantry M/SGT. Tom was a Life Member of the VFW and American Legion, serving as Commander of VFW Post #6042 (Mariposa) & VFW Post #6747 (King City).

Following retirement from the CDF in 1986, Tom served on the City of King Council from 1987-1990. He served on the Monterey County Board of Supervisors from 1990 – 1999, being Chairman of the Board in 19995. He served on the Local Agency Formation Committee (LAFCO) for 16 years, was on the Board of Directors of the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) for 6 years and was on the King City Cemetery District Board of Directors for 8 years.

Tom is survived by Carol Perkins 2nd wife, daughters Lesli Rauch (Mike), Patricia Challburg (Bob) sons Jeff Perkins (Mary), Greg Perkins (Terry) and Joe Perkins (Janie). He has 14 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Dorothy Gonzales Perkins and son Thomas Rick Perkins (Susan).

Tom was a lifelong Forty Niner fan, holding season tickets for over 50 years.

The Neptune Society is handling cremation of his remains.

A celebration of life will take place at The Paul Mortuary, 390 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, on August 26, 2023 at 2:00pm.