Leon Charles Perkins

Leon (Lee) Charles Perkins (90) passed away peacefully on March 8, 2014. This is not about grief or sadness. This is about celebrating a long, well-lived life. Son, nephew, uncle, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather. He was a Naval Aviator in World War II, winning many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired from military service in the Army Air Corp after 20 years. He married Betty Eufinger on July 26, 1947. In the 66 years they were married they had four daughters: Carol Dill; Joan Benson husband Dr. Melvin Benson; Kitty Perkins; Patty Eikelman husband Steve. His five grandsons; Dr. Buddy Benson wife Jenny, Tony Benson wife Sarah, Brian Benson wife Meg, Rick Dill wife Jackie and Nicholas Eikelman. He also has five great grandchildren; Rachel, Connor, Chaz, Sam and John(Jack). His careers crossed many paths. He spent ten years at Auto Lite in Oklahoma City and Atlanta, GA as plant superintendent. He was hired into the Oklahoma City Works working for Western Electric, AT&T, and retiring under Lucent for a span of 27 years and taught aviation at Emery Riddle in Florida. Lee was active in his church and community serving as a board member at St. Ann's Retirement Home, a moderator for Young Astronauts, a Charter member of Epiphany Parish, and the Epiphany Men's Club. He was a pilot in the Order of Daedalians, and won numerous awards as a Major in the Civil Air Patrol. He was a master gardener and loved working on his computer. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations in his name to Wounded Warriors (Gary Sinese) or St. Jude's Hospital. Viewing will be on Wednesday, March 12th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral Mass will be at Resurrection Cemetery Chapel on Thursday, March 13th, at 10:00 a.m.