Dave Perkins

Sidney David “Dave” Perkins III, 66, of Choctaw walked through the gates of Heaven after a courageous fight with Pancreatic cancer on March 24, 2016 at home with his family by his side. We will celebrate his life at Walker Funeral Service Chapel in Shawnee on March 28, 2016 at 1:00pm with Reverend Dick Temple leading the service. Interment will follow at Dale Cemetery. Dave was born to Sidney and Thelma (Steidtmann) Perkins on November 25, 1949 in New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduating from Southeastern High School in Hammond, he relocated to Oklahoma to attend the University of Oklahoma, then transferred to Oklahoma State University. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, he returned to Oklahoma State University to complete his degree in Mathematics in 1978, and began working at American Fidelity as an Actuary. Later in 1978, he began his career with Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance as an actuary, and worked his way to Vice President of Actuarial Science and Product Development. Dave was with Farm Bureau for 37 years. Dave married his wife Retha of 20 years on September 23, 1995, and gained a daughter that day. Over the years Dave had many roles in his life: son, brother, husband, father, friend, prison minister, employee and boss; however, his favorite role was that of “PawPaw” to his grandson Connor. Dave enjoyed going to the gym, attending Oklahoma City Thunder basketball games, cheering for the OSU Cowboys, traveling and spending time with his family - especially the light of his eyes, Connor. Dave is survived by his wife Retha, daughter Malissa Logue and grandson Connor Logue, all of Choctaw, OK; his sister Sharon Rainville and husband Alan of Ponca City, OK; his brother Herbert Perkins of River Ridge, LA; brother Jay Perkins and wife Laura of Tulsa, OK; aunt Nathalee Accomando of Baton Rouge, LA; mother-in-law and father-in-law Retha and Jay Wagoner of McLoud, OK; brother-in-law Mike Blood of Lawton, OK; many nephews and nieces; and many friends. Dave is preceded in death by his father Sydney Perkins of Hammond, LA; mother Thelma Cowling of Ponca City, OK; step-father Don Cowling of Ponca City, OK; and father-in-law Al Blood of Chouteau, OK. Casket bearers will be Gary Buckner, Jake Jacobs, Steve Mabrey, Richard Newberry, Bob Sheehan, and Phil Sheppard. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Heartland Hospice who provided care and support during Dave’s fight.