Grandpa Perkins

Duane S Perkins

1917 ~ 2013

After nearly 100 full, rich and rewarding years Duane S Perkins, 96, passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning hours of June 23, 2013.

Duane was born January 29, 1917 in Dayton, Idaho to Stephen James Perkins and Mae Elzina Atkinson Perkins. He was the oldest of 3 children. He learned the value of hard work at an early age following the example of his parents. When he was a child he suffered through a shotgun wound conquering a near fatal brain injury. He attended agricultural college in Logan, Utah where he met his sweetheart Anna Perkins. They were married in the Salt Lake LDS temple on October 14th, 1937. Immediately following their marriage, Duane left to serve an LDS Mission to the Western States where he established much growth in the LDS Church, returning home 2 years later.

The first 20 years of Duane and Anna's marriage they lived in Murtaugh, Idaho where he farmed through the great Depression and WWII. He learned to be frugal and provided well for his family's needs. He moved his family to Boise, Idaho in 1960 changing careers to real estate, in which he had great success. He also developed a love for art later in life.

Duane was an honest and faithful man dedicated to his family. He was also completely human and could be stubborn and sometimes a bit cantankerous. He was a strong-minded man who made his own decisions and offered advice through stories of his past experiences.

Duane had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and the Atonement. He was the patriarch of the family up until the moment he passed. He was a good example to all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He held many callings in the LDS church including serving in a bishopric for 6 years followed by being the bishop for the next 11 years, Sunday school president, and was a faithful home teacher.

He is survived by his son Steve (Mark Sanchez); daughters Susan (Kim) Day and Cindy (Robert) Pack; 6 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; his brother Jim (Midge) Perkins; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Anna; father Stephen; mother Mae; daughter Judy; and brother Darwin.

There will be a viewing held Wednesday June 26, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 North 900 East, American Fork. There will be a graveside service held in Twin Falls, ID on Thursday June 27, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Sunset Memorial Park.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and care givers from Sunrise Home Health and Hospice for their loving kindness while they assisted us in caring for Duane in his home and also the sweet care givers from Careminders. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com

Here are a few pictures of Grandpa that I like:

We got to have Grandpa over for Thanksgiving in 2009 shortly after my Grandma passed away and Leah was born.  My parents were on a cruise and my siblings were with their in-laws.  It was a nice little dinner with the six of us.

Grandma and Grandpa at Kate's first birthday party.

On Wednesday we drove back to American Fork so we could go to Grandpa's viewing.  I took a couple pictures, here is one with my Uncle Steve, my mom, my Great Aunt Lois (my Grandma Perkins' sister), and my mom's cousin Scott.  I sat and talked to Aunt Lois for a little while.  She was so fun to talk to and reminded me sooo much of my Grandma Perkins, in appearance and mannerisms, it made me miss her a lot.

The kids behaving pretty well at the viewing.  They discovered the scented lotion in the bathroom which entertained the girls for a while.

Lucy and McKai

The next day we drove to Twin Falls for the graveside service.  Sari was a little distressed to learn we had to get back into the car for a long drive.  We went and got her a redbox and that helped.  The service was really nice.  The current Bishop in Murtaugh is actually a relative with the last name of Perkins and he conducted the service.  I thought that was cool.  He also did my Grandma's.  He talked about the picture of my Grandpa that hangs in the church building in Murtaugh with all the other Bishops pictures that have served there.  That would be cool to see.  During the service it made me think about all the family members that are on the other side of the veil and how neat it would be to see all of them.  It is strange and sad to think my Grandma and Grandpa Perkins are both gone now.  I'm really thankful to have the knowledge of Eternal Life and that we can see them again.

 Sari, Kate, and Addie had a great time together while we were visiting.