Submitted by: Dan Rich

Homer Francis Perkins

Dec. 13, 1917 - April 20, 1997

South Bend Tribune 4/24/1997

Homer Francis ''Perk'' Perkins, 79, of West Catalpa Street, Mishawaka, Ind., passed away peacefully at home at 3:07 p.m. Sunday, April 20, with his family. Homer was born on Dec. 13, 1917, in South Bend, Ind., and was a lifelong area resident.

He married Juanita Fern (Wanny) Robinson in 1944. He had retired from ANCO Vending Company and from Wheelabrator-Frye. He is survived by his wife Juanita; daughters, Pam Perkins of Osceola, Ind., Patti (Michael) Hardy of Granger, Ind., and Mary Perkins of Columbus, Ohio; a sister, Agnes Zeiger of South Bend; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four nieces and nephews; and many dear relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Homer J. Perkins; by his mother, Frances (Auer) Perkins; and by his brother, Joseph Perkins.

''Perk'' served as a sergeant in the Army Air Force, 439th Squadron and 319th Bomb Group, during World War II. He was decorated with five Bronze Stars and was a member of VFW Post 360.

A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 28, by Father Robert A. Yast at St. Joseph Church, Mishawaka. Homer will be interred at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Homer's name to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of St. Joseph County. Hickey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.