Donald PERKINS

PERKINS, Donald R. "Don"

84, passed away on Friday, September 3, 2021, at his home

surrounded by loving family

after courageously battling a number of health issues the past few years. Don spent

almost 30 years in public relations positions at Wittenberg University during which time he garnered national attention on many occasions for the institution. Don arrived at Wittenberg in 1970, starting his career as Sports Information Director during which time he secured campus visits by Sports Illustrated and ABC-TV's "Wide World of Sports" among other top tier outlets; successfully promoted 20 Wittenberg men and women athletes for All-America

honors and became highly respected among his peers. He served on the NCAA Public Relations Committee and was awarded the NCAA Gold Medallion for superior service to the NCAA and college athletics and contributed chapters to the definitive guide for college sports information professionals published by the NCAA in the 1980s. In 1976, Don was

promoted to Director of Public Relations at Wittenberg and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1997, when he was presented the Frank M. Ashmore Award for career contributions to the field of college public relations as a lecturer, author and mentor by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). During his tenure, Wittenberg was frequently in the national news as he took great delight in promoting the work of the university's students, faculty, and administration. He was also called upon frequently by other colleges and universities as a consultant to help sharpen their public relations programs and messages. He was inducted into Wittenberg University's Athletic Hall of Honor in 2002, honored by Wittenberg with an Honorary Alumnus Award in 1989 and The Class of 1914 Award in 1993. He was also inducted into the Central State University Marauder Athletic Hall of Fame for his work as their sports information director in the 1960s. After his retirement at Wittenberg, he spent several years volunteering with Central State's public relations and sports information offices. Don was also involved in the Springfield community having served as a past member of the Board of Directors with the United Way, The Community

Hospital, Springfield Urban League, and served on Public

Relations Committees of the United Way, Springfield Urban League, and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. An avid reader, Don consumed thousands of books in his lifetime, and wanting to share his love of learning, he loaned many to others which he never saw again. Known for his gregarious demeanor, he never met a stranger and made others feel

better about themselves after having met him. Don was a member and elder at Honey Creek Presbyterian Church, New Carlisle, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, DeWitt, Sr., and Ada Perkins, brother DeWitt, Jr., and sisters Wynalee Perkins, Darlene Lowe, and Betty Thomas. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Marilyn Priest Perkins; son, Daniel, of Springfield; daughters, Julie (Thomas) Porter of Cedar Hill, TN., and Tamara Dodds of Dublin, Ohio; grandchildren, Megan and Kylie Porter, and Cameron Foster; great-grandson, Maddox Ramsey; sister, Jeanetta Ursich of Phoenix, AZ.; nieces and nephews, Ron Lowe, Claudia Stewart, Linda Lobo, Mark Ursich, Kyle Duff, and several great-nieces and nephews. Born September 12, 1936, in Sassafras, Kentucky, the sixth child of DeWitt and Ada Manning Perkins, Don was raised mostly in Dayton, Ohio, where he graduated from Stivers High School in 1954. He received his B.A. from the University of Dayton, 1958, and his M.A. from Miami University, 1964. A memorial service will be held in Wittenberg University's Weaver Chapel, officiated by Rev. Steven Schumm, at 1 p.m., Saturday,

September 18. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 12 p.m. until the time of service. Masks are required in accordance with Wittenberg University's indoor policy. Livestreaming of the service will be available through the

Littleton & Rue Facebook page beginning at 1 p.m. His

cremated remains will be interred with his beloved wife,

Marilyn, upon her passing in the future. Special thanks to Bryan and Angie Shirey, Dawniece Ross, and Springfield Fire Station No. 5. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Buckhorn Children's Foundation, 116 Buckhorn Lane, Buckhorn, KY., 41721, (606) 398-7000,

www.buckhorn.org. Online expressions of sympathy can be made by visiting

www.littletonandrue.com