William James Perkins, Jr.

William James Perkins, Jr., son of the late William James Perkins and Agnes (Leonard) Elliott, was born August 16, 1934 in St. Louis, Missouri. Bill, as he was known to his family and friends, grew up in the St. Louis area and attended and graduated from Berkley High School in 1953. In 1954, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country faithfully where he had attained the rank of Machinist Mate Third Class until his honorable discharge on January 9, 1958. On March 11, 1997, Bill was united in marriage to Dawn Christine Cota in Las Vegas, Nevada, which happened to be one of Bill’s favorite places. They shared over 14 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. During his working years, Bill spent 17 years at Negwer Materials in Berkley, Missouri. After moving to the Pulaski County area, Bill worked for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department and then began working for the Pulaski County Ambulance District when it was first formed. He made the very first run for the ambulance district. After leaving the ambulance district, he then began working as a police officer for the Crocker Police Department before becoming one of the first dispatcher’s for the 911 Communications Center. The last position that Bill held was a dispatcher/jailer for the Dixon Police Department. His true passion in life was law enforcement and he enjoyed every position he had. In his spare time, Bill was a member of the American Legion Post 331 of St. Robert. He enjoyed fishing, playing pool and darts and was an avid animal lover. His precious dogs: Brooke, Bear Bear, Jose, Misty, Pepe and Holly were all very special to him. His greatest joy was playing Santa Claus every year. He loved seeing the excitement on the children’s faces. Most importantly, he treasured those times that he could spend with his family and friends. Bill will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him. He passed away at 5:21 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2011 in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center of Rolla, Missouri having attained the age of 76 years, 9 months and 1 day. Bill leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Dawn of the home; six children: Kellie Sadler (Mike) of Ft. Hood, TX, Pam Banks of Goodlettsville, TN, Randy Perkins of Waynesville, Ronald Eder of Waynesville, Diana Arthur (Ricki) of Sparta, MO and Laura James (Rick) of Florissant, MO; Dawn’s children: Valynda Mackie (John) and their children of the state of Michigan and Scott Mercier (Trza) and their children of Fairbanks, AK; 13 grandchildren: Michael and Matthew Brewington, Melissa Cramer, Stacy Campbell, Ian Sparks, Nels Perkins, Michael Sadler II, Caleb and Dylan Sadler, Logan Vogt, and Eric, Steven and Anthony Lippe; 14 great grandchildren: Scott Mercier, Jr., Ricky Mercier and Hannah, Jacob and Olivia Mackie; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother: Dr. James Elliott and one uncle: Bill Elliott. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2011 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert with Rev. Danny Graves officiating. Mike Sadler, Bill’s son-in-law, recalled his wonderful memories of Bill. The song “Danny Boy” was played and serving as escorts were Mike Sadler, Michael Sadler II, Dylan Sadler, Michael Brewington, Matthew Brewington and Randy Perkins. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery-Fort Leonard Wood of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the Missouri Honors Team. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of William Perkins to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or the American Heart Association and may be left at the funeral home.

William James Perkins, Jr.

August 16, 1934 - May 17, 2011