OBITUARY: Dale Eugene Perkins

NEWTON—Dale Eugene Perkins, 92, died Wednesday, July 1, 2021, at his home in Newton.

He was born on May 5, 1929, in Newton, the son of Grabill G. and Mabel Alice James Perkins. Dale attended local schools, graduating from Newton High School in 1947. He married Margaret Elizabeth Kater on Sept. 10, 1950, in Newton at the Evangelical & Reformed Church.

Dale was inducted into the U.S. Army on Feb. 2, 1951, serving in the Korean War, and was discharged on Jan. 8, 1953. He continued to serve his country in the Army Reserves for 33 years, retiring as a Command Sgt. Major in 1986. In June 2017, Dale went to Washington, D.C., on the Honor Flight.

Dale went to work for the Newton Fire Department in August 1953, where he remained until retiring in December 1990 as a chief training officer. During this time period, he held every officer position in the Kansas State Fire Fighters Association.

He was a life member of both the V.F.W. and American Legion, serving as Post Commander of Newton American Legion Post #2. He was also a life member of the Newton Masonic Lodge #142, A.F. & A.M. and also the Elks Lodge, serving as an Exalted Ruler of the Newton Elks Lodge. Through the years, Dale was also a member of the Wichita Moose Lodge, Scottish Rite Consistory in Wichita, Midian Shrine in Wichita, Harvey County Shrine Club and Harvey County Hobos.

Dale was a longtime member of the United Church of Christ in Newton, where he served on several committees. He enjoyed watching sports, as an avid fan of college basketball, the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Chiefs.

Survivors include two sons, Roger Perkins and wife Tamara, Scott Perkins and wife Addie; daughter, Carol Higgs and husband John all of Newton; eight grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret, on Sept. 27, 2009; daughter, Teresa Dalene Perkins; and brother, Richard Lee Perkins.

Funeral services were at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 7, at First Presbyterian Church in Newton. Interment were in Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.

The casket was open from 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, at the funeral home, where the family received friends between 6 and 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with the Antique Fire Truck Fund of the Newton Fire Dept., United Church of Christ, Kansas Honor Flight, and Good Shepherd Hospice. Contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS, 67114.

Condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.

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