Willie Dean "W.D." Perkins

Willie Dean Perkins entered this world on Sep 10, 1932, the son of John and Leatrice Perkins. He departed this life on Aug 28, 2022, leaving a hole that can never be filled. 

There was a lot of living in between those dates. Dean’s life encompassed volumes that cannot adequately be defined by a few paragraphs. He earned his Bachelor’s in Science degree from North Texas State University in 1957, a Master’s in Education from Southwest Texas State University in 1964, and a Doctorate in Education from East Texas State University in 1975. 

Dean married Nelva Jean Porter-Perkins on June 2, 1956. Together, they loved and raised two adoring sons, Gregory Dean “Greg” Perkins (Sheryl) of Port Orchard WA, and Mark Kevin “Kevin” Perkins of Abilene, Texas.  

Dean and Jean had two grandchildren, Gregory Dean Perkins II and Meagen Anne Perkins, of Port Orchard, WA. 

Dean was a proud US Navy Veteran, and an Administrator in the SAISD.  

Dean and Jean were active in retirement and travelled extensively throughout retirement, visiting many countries in Europe, Scandinavia, and Asia, and they enjoyed visiting Greg and their grandchildren stationed in Japan. 

In his later years, Dean found joy in everything: he was an avid fisherman and fished with Greg in Mexico and Alaska. He also traveled to Pamplona, Spain, with Greg, to watch the Running of the Bulls. 

Dean looked especially forward to Kevin’s regular visits home, and when Greg and Sheryl came to visit from Washington State. 

Dean touched many lives and had an abundance of good friends. He was involved in genealogy research for years, sharing his new finds with family, at the various Family Reunions. He looked forward to the research and was excited, and especially thrilled to share his new historical findings. 

Dean was a much-loved uncle to his many nieces and nephews, and cherished by his numerous cousins and other family members. Dean made friends wherever he went. He will be missed by all, including his buddies at the Shannon Health Club. 

Dean was preceded in death by his wife Jean, his parents, and two brothers. 

His family would like to thank his many friends at the Shannon Health Club for their kind love and ongoing support of Dean over the years, and a special thanks to Joe Fields, Connie Compton and the numerous others who supported and encouraged him during his health struggle, from his bedside. 

Dean led a most remarkable life, left his mark on numerous lives, lived life to the fullest and left nothing undone. Dean had a life well lived! 

Visitation is at Harper Funeral Home, San Angelo, Friday, September 2nd, from 5:00- 7:00 p.m.; and the Graveside Service is at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, San Angelo, Saturday, September 3rd, at 10:00 a.m. 

Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.