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Kenneth Perkins Obituary
VANDALIA — Kenneth E. Perkins, 91, formerly of St. Petersburg, FL and Vandalia OH passed away on June 2, 2017 in Lake Wales, FL.
He was born on July 2, 1925 in Hamilton, Ohio to G.H. and Fannie (Coyle) Perkins. He married Edna (Straub) in 1950.
An alumnus of Dayton Stivers High School, Mr. Perkins was a veteran of the US Navy and served during WWII. He graduated from Miami (OH) University and Penn State University. In 1952, Mr. Perkins began his teaching career as a science teacher in Fairfield OH and in 1958 moved to Vandalia, OH where he taught science, astronomy and served as the planetarium director with the Vandalia-Butler Schools until his retirement in 1980. Ken and Edna moved to Florida when he was invited to become the planetarium director at St. Petersburg Junior College. He retired from there in 1994.
Survivors include his daughters Tammie (Rick) Bishop and Cyndi Earley, grandsons Aaron (Nicole) Bishop and Ryan Bishop and great grandchildren Zachary and Aubrey Bishop, sister Lois Reichel, half-brother Brian (Dollie) Perkins, step-sister, Holly (Bob) Jones and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by: his wife Edna of 57 years, sister Regina Cavender, son-in-law David Earley, several dear in-laws and 2 nephews.
A memorial service will be on June 26 at 2:30 (visitation at 1:30) at Water's Edge, 10 West Grove Ave., Lake Wales, FL. The following day, June 27, there will be a service at 2 p.m.(visitation at 1 p.m.) at Faith Fellowship, 6646 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL. There will also be an informal Celebration of Life on August 5 at 2 p.m. (visitation at 1 p.m.) at Smith Middle School, 3625 Little York Rd., Dayton, OH.
Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan's Purse or Salvation Army.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
William Moriaty
May 28, 2019
One of the most incredible things in my life that I ever experienced was during a planetarium show that Dr. Perkins gave in the fall of 1983. Before he would acclimate the eyesight of the planetarium goers to the night sky he would replicate a sunset. He did such a superb job that night with the play of color and timing that for several moments I was convinced that I was actually outdoors witnessing a real sunset. Better suspension of belief than any ride at Disney! Truly an artist. I also never forgot the terms "Celestial Meridian" the "Ecliptic" and "Celestial Equator" that he taught all audiences - - terms that I would teach others. An outstanding human being.
Kathy (Tanis) Barnum
August 14, 2017
Energetic, white lab coat, bow tie, he was my fabulous 8th grade science teacher 1969 Morton Junior High! I have never been able to relinquish my Science Notebooks nor the miniaturized Ford cars from our trip to Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum. What great memories of a wonderful man who instilled a love of science and learning. He always had story with a lesson. I still organize the clothing in my closet according to the ROY G BIV colors of the rainbow and think fondly of Mr. Perkins. Tammie we were in band together (clarinet). My family moved to St. Pete summer of 1969 how I wish I had reconnected with him! I am a graduate of St. Pete JC. I wanted you to know how much your father meant to me, he was a wonderful man, my sincere condolences.
Arlette Schulze lock
June 22, 2017
I attended SPJC and was fortunate enough to be Mr. Perkins TA for 2 semesters. He was a wonderful mentor and inspiration. I have thought of him fondly over the years and then became a science teacher myself. Several months ago I had the sincere pleasure of meeting with Mr. Perkins again at an astronomy event. I will treasure the memories of that wonderful man who took me under his wing.
HAPPILY RETIRED !
Dave Quarles
June 19, 2017
Ken was a colleague of ours at the St. Petersburg Campus of St. Petersburg Junior College. His office and workshop were just a few feet from my office on the second floor of the Science building. This man was a prayer warrior and a wonderful friend with whom I would assist with some projects and he would likewise help me. He was a most joyful Christian man and I will miss his happy face.
Dave Quarles, Faculty colleague at SPJC, St. Petersburg Campus.
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David Gibson
June 16, 2017
Mr. Perkins was director of the planetarium at Smith Junior High in the Vandalia-Butler School District. My father was B.P. Gibson who was the superintendent of schools who led the effort to build the planetarium. Some members of the school board initially opposed building the planetarium but my dad knew astronomy & science were increasingly important topics. We were in the middle of the Apollo moon missions back then and the school board eventually supported the project. Mr. Perkins turned the planetarium into an amazing learning tool for thousands of students! He could truly be labeled a master teacher. My father was so grateful for Mr. Perkin's dedicated efforts to make this a successful learning adventure for the school kids of Vandalia-Butler. The Gibson family, including my 95 yr. old mother Marge who still lives in the V-B district, express our sincere condolences to the Perkins family.
William Moriaty
June 13, 2017
Dr. Perkins truly breathed passion and magic into his planetarium presentations at the Gibbs Campus of St. Petersburg Junior College (now St. Petersburg College) back in the 1980's.
His love of astronomy and showmanship will be sorely missed.
Kathy Dunn
June 13, 2017
Ken was a wonderful educator with the kids ALWAYS the focus of his work. As a beginning teacher he was such an inspiration to me. I carry great memories of him to this day. May your family be blessed knowing his great impact on students and fellow teachers remains till today!
Madalyn Hilliard
June 13, 2017
Cyndi, I am sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I have special memories of him and his encouraging, sweet spirit.
Mary Bea Dungan-Beck
June 13, 2017
Best science teacher ever! He instilled a desire to learn in all of his students by making it fun. Mr. Perkins and his teaching style will be greatly missed.
Patti Welch Miller
June 12, 2017
Thank you for all the great teaching, and having kids, love to learn.
So sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace.
Dianne Adams
June 12, 2017
My deepest sympathies to his family. I'm very glad I had Mr. Perkins for 8th grade science. I enjoyed my trip to Greenfield Village that year. I treasure those memories.
Jay Gothard
June 12, 2017
Mr. Perkins was an inspiration, a teacher's teacher. A Veteran of America's Greatest Generation. God Bless you.
Kathy (Liebl) Stewart
June 12, 2017
My prayers go out to your family. Mr. Perkins was a great teacher, he really made an impact in a lot of lives! Kathy Liebl, class of 74
Dave & Susan
June 12, 2017
We have so many fond memories of Ken and Edna! They introduced us to Crabby Bills and my first trip to a planetarium was with Ken....and it was just me and him, my own personal presentation on the galaxy.
While we miss our parents' physical presence, our joy is knowing we will see them again. We're so sorry for your loss.
Joni Kubler-Long
June 12, 2017
Tammie and Cyndi, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers, I always looked forward to his class. He made learning fun. His science class was the basis for my career as a lab tech. May your memories of him comfort you at this difficult time.
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454 S Buck Moore Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
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