Graveside services for Homer L. Perkins, 79, of Perry will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 10, with military honors at Violet Hill Cemetery. A visitation was held Thursday, July 9 from 3-7 p.m. at Murdock Funeral Home, with family present to greet friends from 5-7 p.m.
Homer passed away Sunday, July 5, 2020, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Homer was born Dec. 10, 1940, in Diagonal, Iowa, the son of Cecil Clay and Alvina Mae (Willows) Perkins.
He graduated from Perry High School in 1958.
Homer worked as a supervisor in the maintenance and supply room at Iowa Beef Packing, Oscar Meyer and Tyson before retiring.
He lived in Perry his entire life and was a member of the Perry American Legion Post 85.
Homer served in the U.S. Air Force from 1963 to 1967 as an E-4 (Airman 1st Class). Stationed at March Air Force Base, his tour of duty included Okinawa and over fifty trips around the world.
Homer was an active volunteer in the Perry High School athletic program during the past 45 years, serving as the voice of Perry Bluejay baseball and as the official scoreboard operator for nearly every home baseball game since 1980. In addition, Homer donated the funds for the press box from which he worked at Progressive Field as well as the Jayette Softball Field press box.
During the fall, Homer served as the crew chief for the Bluejay football chain crew. He worked every varsity contest for the past 45 years except for games missed one season due to a sideline injury. During the winter, Homer served as the scoreboard operator for ninth grade, junior varsity and varsity girls basketball games and repeated the duties of serving as the scoreboard operator for ninth grade, junior varsity and varsity boys basketball games.
On his nights not working as a volunteer, Homer was present as a fan at many home and away events. With his love as a Perry Bluejay fan, Homer was also an avid Iowa State Cyclone fan and held season tickets since the late 1960s.
Homer’s honors included the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association Service Award, Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, Iowa High School Athletic Association Volunteer Service Award, Iowa High School Athletic Association “Fan of the Game” State Tournament Recognition, Perry Community School District Military Appreciation Night Honorary Football Team Captain and Perry Community School District Bluejay Service Award.
Homer is survived by two nephews, Jim Perkins of Manassus, Virginia, and Tom (Sara) Perkins of Wichita, Kansas; great-niece, Hannah Perkins of Wichita; and great-nephew, Clayton Perkins of Wichita.
Homer was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, A. Cecil Perkins; and a sister-in-law, M. JoAnn Perkins.
Memorials may be directed in Homer’s name to the Perry High School Athletics Booster Club, and may be sent to Murdock Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at murdockfuneralhome.net.
Perry Student Activities Director Tom Lipovac remarked, “While Homer Perkins was a quiet unassuming man, his actions and his willingness to be of service to our youth leaves a lasting legacy. He was a strong positive supporter of our students’ achievements and a vital member of the Perry Community School District Student Activities Department. Homer demonstrated “The Bluejay Way”, acting with character and serving others. One of the ultimate tributes in athletics is to be recognized by a single name. When the name Homer is mentioned regarding Perry athletics, Bluejay & Jayette coaches, players, and supporters know that reference is being made to Homer Perkins. Every community would benefit from having a Homer in their program. The Perry Community School District is thankful that we had Homer Perkins.”
