PERRY, John L. Col

Colonel John L. Perry, Retired John L. Perry was born at his family's farm in Waukomis, OK on October 28, 1932. He took his final flight on May 9, 2011 to meet his Lord and Savior. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57½ years, Judith S. Perry and his parents, John Calvin Perry and Edna Eckhardt Perry. At a young age, his family relocated to a farm in South Haven, KS. He majored in geology at the University of Kansas and was augmented by a baseball scholarship. He joined the USAF and served his country for 28 years. He was a fighter pilot and served as a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam. He later served as a Flight Training Instructor, Air Operations Officer and Services Staff Officer. He received the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, and Air Medal with 16 Oak Leaf Clusters as well as many other commendations. Survivors include his son, John M. Perry (Angie) of Valley Grande, AL; daughters, Joy P. Carchedi (John) of Georgetown, TX and Jeanine P. White of Peoria, AZ; sisters, Bonnie (Paul) Cantrell, Wellington, KS and Leola Frost, Wellington, KS; brother, Jim (Elizabeth) Perry of Lynnwood, WA; grandchildren, Kathryn M. Winter (Doug), Sacramento, CA, Karolyn J. Mayo, Sacramento, CA, Turner C. Mayo, Austin, TX, Elizabeth J. Perry, Valley Grande, AL, Brittany P. Pacheco (Alfredo), Buckeye, AZ, Kaylee C. Bearden, Peoria, AZ, Johnathon P. White, Peoria, AZ and Ashley W. Bakemeier (Ryan), Whitehall, NY. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a true American hero and patriot who will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Memorial Service 9:00 a.m., Monday, May 16, 2011 at Holy Way Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Ray Thomas officiating. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m., at Ft. Huachuca Post Cemetery, Sierra Vista, AZ, with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holy Way Presbyterian Church, 4040 S. Bilbray, Tucson, AZ 85746; Casa de la Luz Hospice, 400 W. Magee Rd., Tucson, AZ 85704 or St. Joseph's Indian School, 1301 N. Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325. Arrangements by BRIN'G MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 236 S. Scott Ave. Arizona Daily Star, May 12,2011