David Perkins, Sr

DAVID ALAN PERKINS, SR.

Age 58 of Gardner and formerly Manhattan, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2006 at his home.

Born August 28, 1947 in Aurora, Dave is a son of Bernadine (nee White) and the late Robert Perkins. He was raised and educated in Bristol and Yorkville and graduated with the Yorkville High School Class of 1965. On July 16, 1976 Dave married Shelia Chellios in the Methodist Church in Manhattan, and together they lived in Manhattan until moving to Gardner in 2000. Dave was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Company in Aurora for 34 years until his retirement in October 1999. He was a member of Saint Lawrence Catholic Church in South Wilmington, the Wilmington Loyal Order of the Moose and a former member of the Joliet Moose Lodge. Dave belonged to the UAW Local 145 in Montgomery and he was an avid NASCAR fan. Dave enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all he loved his children and his grandchildren.

Survivors include his loving wife of 29 years: Shelia; three children: Sgt. David Alan, II (Delena) Perkins and SSFC John (Jessica) Jennings, both of Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Jennifer (Timothy) Langley of Joliet. His mother Bernadine Moore of Rogers, Arkansas; (10) Grandchildren: Aidan and Autumn Perkins, Kara and Gillian Jennings, Aryanna and Airryn Hesse and Courtney, Kristina, Timothy, Jr., and Karie Langley. Two brothers: Robert Perkins of Rogers, Arkansas and Jim (Mary) Perkins of Security, Colorado and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dave was preceded in death by his father Robert Perkins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday May 18, 2006 from 10:00AM until time of services 11:00AM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois 113) in Coal City. Rev. Al Heidecke from Saint Lawrence Catholic Church in South Wilmington will officiate.

Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made as gifts in Dave's memory to his family for distribution to local charities of their choice.

Funeral services and arrangements are under the direction of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City.