Farrel Glenn Perkins entered Heaven’s gates on April 23, 2014 at the age of 87. He passed away in his home after a short illness with family at his side. He was born in Dillard, Missouri on September 19, 1926 to Ila Blanche Messer and Marvin Earl Perkins. He grew up in the Dent County region and moved to St. Louis at age 16 to work. He volunteered at age 18 for the U.S. Army and entered World War II. He was on a ship in the Pacific when the Atom Bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He served in the 8th Army, 623rd Military Police Company in the Philippines and Japan where he earned the position of Sergeant. Upon safe return from the war, he met Doris Jean Hinsen and on August 6, 1948 they entered into marriage. He held jobs with McDonald Douglas in St. Louis and Caterpillar Tractor in Peoria, Illinois. Their first son Keith Wayne was born on February 12, 1951. They moved to California in 1952 and their second son Steven Mark was born on April 18, 1957. He worked for Hiller Helicopters and then finished his working career at Varian Associates. He retired from Varian after 32 years. He was a “master tube technician” and then worked as a mechanical engineer on various projects related to “Traveling Wave Tube” design for manufacture and use in radar and communications. Much of this work was for military applications and was designated as “classified”.

They retired to Missouri in 1985 and have resided in the Springfield area since that time. While in retirement, he self-contracted homes for both of his sons, and three different residences for himself and Doris. He also worked part time for the Springfield 166 Auto Auction until the age of 86.

He is preceded in death by both parents, son Keith, brothers Darrel, Pete, and a sister Imogene. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, siblings Carol, Evelyn and Paul, and half siblings David, Dale, Kathy and Gary. He is also survived by his son Steven and daughter-in-law Betty, daughter-in-law Wanda; grandchildren, Brooke and husband Joe, Kristen and husband Phil, Ryan and wife Rheagan, Chad and wife Keri Jo; great grandchildren, Madison, Evan, McKenna, Isabel, Caden, Stella, Laityn, Joseph IV and Kinley Jo.

Farrel was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Devoted follower of Christ, World War II veteran, world changer and never met a stranger.

Funeral Services to be held at Greenlawn East, Tuesday, April 29th at 10:30 am, and visitation on Monday, April 28th from 6 to 8 pm. Internment at Rivermonte Memorial Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Luke Shaw and staff and also the caring staff of Seasons Hospice and the many friends and family that have reached out to us with their kind words, thoughts and prayers.

Memorial donations can be made to the Pregnancy Care Center of Springfield.