Harold Lee "Tony" Perkins

Harold "Tony" Lee Perkins, 87, of Lafayette, Indiana, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025. He was born July 15, 1938, in Linden, Indiana. A proud Marine veteran, devoted husband, loving father, and lifelong storyteller, Tony lived a life rooted in family, service, music, and laughter.

In his younger years, Tony played guitar and sang in the local band Skyhawk, filling his home with country music and unforgettable jam sessions with his kids. George Jones was his favorite, and his rendition of "Golden Rings" was often heard drifting through the house. His children cherish those memories of music and laughter shared around their father.

Tony served his country in the United States Marine Corps and carried immense pride in his service and the service of his fellow brothers. That same commitment to care and camaraderie continued into his civilian life as he worked for many years as a CNA at the Indiana Veterans' Home, where he supported and honored the veterans he held dear.

He loved the outdoors-fishing, hunting, and spending time in nature, especially with his boys. Those family trips remain some of the kids most treasured memories. Tony also enjoyed NASCAR, Purdue football, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Indiana Pacers. He had a special fondness for classic westerns, especially those starring John Wayne, and he never missed a good boxing match.

Known for his sharp, hilarious sense of humor, Tony kept those around him smiling. If he didn't quite hear what you said, he'd respond with a joking "How much?" or "How many?"-a line that became a family classic. He had a warm way of turning any moment of tension into laughter. And no matter where he went, he seemed to have a cup of coffee in hand; the family jokes that he had coffee in every photo ever taken.

Despite being a simple man who never asked for much, Tony always found a way to help his children when they needed him. His generosity, gentle heart, and steady presence guided them through life. He adored his cockatoo, Dweezle, and his beloved dog-named Precious.

Tony is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Cheryl Maxine Stout Perkins; his six children, Michael Perkins (April) of Lafayette, IN, Kevin Perkins (Linda) of St. Petersburg, FL, Jenifer Garrett of Lafayette, IN, Jessica Banks (Ellis) of Lafayette, IN, Anthony Stout of Lafayette, IN, and Justin Wayne Perkins-Stout of Lafayette, IN; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Regina Perkins of Zephyr Hills, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Hobart Perkins; his sisters Katherine Patterson, Thelma Walters, and Alice Gray; and his brother Max Perkins.

Tony was a quiet yet jovial soul-funny, tenderhearted, and always grateful. He always treated Cheryl's children as his own and was a loving, devoted father and husband. His legacy lives on in the countless moments of laughter, music, and love he shared with his family.

He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Services will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Tippecanoe Funeral and Cremation Services, 3631 Morehouse Rd. West Lafayette, IN 47906

Visitation 11:30am - 12:30pm, Tuesday, December 2, 2025, followed by Service at 12:30pm at at Tippecanoe Chapel, 3631 Morehouse Rd. West Lafayette, IN 47906

Burial immediately following at Rest Haven Memorial Park 1200 Sagamore Pkwy North Lafayette IN 47906