Thomas J. Perkins

Thomas J. Perkins, 62, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, formerly of Akron and Randolph, Ohio, died on Nov. 26, 2008. Tom was born on Jan. 22, 1946, in Queens, N.Y., to Walter and Mary (Miguez) Perkins. He attended Randolph High School, Randolph, Ohio, and Kent State University, graduating in 1980 with bachelor's degrees in psychology and geology.He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. He received two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star for saving the lives of men under his command in the battle of Duc Pho. He was a geologist with Ohio Drilling Co. in Massillon, retiring in 2005 after 25 years of service. Tom loved to paint in oil and build furniture. He was an accomplished guitarist, mastering many styles; he played recorder in the Kent State recorder consort; and he played Irish flute, Irish whistle, mandolin, octave mandolin and violin. He led the Celtic group Bog Carrot from 1990 to 2000 and played in Anonymous String Band. He was an avid fisherman. Tom is survived by his wife, Eileen Whitacre, of Las Cruces, whom he married on Aug. 31, 1997; his parents, Walter Perkins of Trinity, Texas, and Mary Perkins of Las Cruces; and his sister, Anita Calcanes, of Queens, N.Y. A viewing was held on Sunday, Nov. 30, at La Paz-Graham Funeral Home in Las Cruces, followed by a memorial service at the home. Tom's body was cremated.
A memorial service will be held at noon Dec. 13 at Menches Brothers Restaurant in the Shops of Green, 3700 Massillon Road, Green, Ohio, the former Burkhardt's Pub, where the Bog Carrot played for many years.
Arrangements are with La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home. To send condolences go to www.lapaz-grahams.com