Jerome Hunt Perkins

Jerome Hunt Perkins, 93, of Lexington, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 18, 2025, at The Lantern at Morning Pointe.

Born January 9, 1932, in Williamsburg, Kentucky, to the late Jerome Albert and Agnes Rebecca Pennington Perkins, Hunt lived a life marked by faith, family, service, and an enduring curiosity about the world around him.

He graduated from Williamsburg High School, where he was a member of both the football team and the marching band. Hunt went on to earn his B.S. and M.S. in Geological Sciences from the University of Kentucky. His career as a geologist took him to Texas and Louisiana before he returned home to Kentucky to establish his own company, Petro-Hunt, Inc. Hunt continued working well into his late 80s and never officially retired, reflecting his dedication to his profession.

From 1959–1961, Hunt honorably served in the United States Army.

A man of steadfast faith, Hunt was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he gave decades of service. He led Children's Bible Drills for more than 30 years, sang in the choir, sang tenor in a quartet, served as deacon and deacon chair, and contributed his leadership to the Finance and Personnel Committees. His commitment to sharing the Gospel was evident through his involvement in the Calvary Jail Ministry, and he cherished the fellowship of his church family.

Hunt also devoted himself to service through civic organizations. He was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Lexington, where he served as club president and later as District Governor. He ministered to incarcerated individuals through Gideons International and served as a trustee and board member of the University of the Cumberlands.

Hunt is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Carolyn Rose Smith Perkins; his daughters, Vicki Lea and Lisa (Brandt) Ely; and his beloved grandchildren, Blaine (Lauren) Ely, Blair Ely, Brooks Ely, and Trey (Paige) Christensen. He was affectionately known as "Dadoo" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Norah Ely, Sutton Ely, Parker Ely, Ares Christensen, and Luxlee Christensen. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Jim Perkins and Scott Perkins.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Morning Pointe, The Lantern at Morning Pointe, and Hospice-Bluegrass Care Navigators for their excellent care and kindness.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 12:30–2:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m., at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 3421 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington. He will have an inurnment ceremony at Camp Nelson National Cemetery on Tuesday, October 14 at 2:30 pm.

Hunt's life was a testimony of faith, hard work, and love for others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.