Willard Perry

Willard Eugene "Gene" Perry, 76, of Topeka, passed away at his home surrounded by his family. He was born March 7, 1932, in Coffeyville, Kansas, the son of Willard & Avis Perry. He moved to Lawrence, Kansas when he was in his early teens and he lived most of his life in Lawrence and Topeka. He married Barbara Winters May 26, 1956 in Lawrence. She survives.

He served in the US Army for 2 years stationed at Fort Riley. He graduated from Palmer School of Chiropractic in 1957. He practiced chiropractics for a few years in Yates Center, Kansas. He worked for 11 years for IBM then went to work for Santa Fe Railroad for 20 years until his retirement on Dec. 30, 1992. He received a degree for his ministry training through "The Education for the Ministry" through the University of the South, with mentor Pastor Tim Pool.

Mr. Perry preached at several churches in Kansas over a period of 35 years as in interim Pastor. He served his last church, Bethel Community Church in Topeka, as associate Pastor for 17 years. He retired in Dec. 1992 as General Director of Information Systems at Santa Fe & retired from the ministry in Sept. 1998.

Survivors include; 1 daughter, Lynda Powell, Topeka; 2 sons, Michael Perry, Topeka and Mark Perry, Wichita. Other survivors include 6 grandchildren & 2 step-grandsons.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Mon., Oct. 6, 2008, at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Willard will lie in state at the funeral home after 4:00 p.m., Sun., with visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to Bethel Community Church in c/o Bruce Ferguson, 6516 NW 62nd Topeka, Kansas 66618, Show Me Christian Youth Home, Rt. 3 Box 69, LaMonte, MO 65337 or Eastside Baptist Church, 4425 SE 29th St, Topeka, KS 66605.