Sonny Perusse

Sonny Perusse, age 79, of Russellville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center.

He was born August 29, 1946, in Marquette, Michigan, to Louis and Mary Margaret Beasley Perusse. A man known for his warm smile, steady presence, and generous heart, Sonny lived a life anchored in love for his family and a deep appreciation for life's simple joys. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Perusse, on April 15, 2017, in Russellville, and together they shared years filled with laughter, companionship, and travel.

Sonny worked for many years as a Manager, earning the respect of those around him through his reliability, honesty, and dedication. Outside of his professional life, he embraced his passions wholeheartedly. He was a proud member of the Kountry Klub RV Club and was active in several street-rod car clubs, where he built lasting friendships and enjoyed countless gatherings. With a love for antique cars, street rods, and exploring the open road, Sonny found joy in every journey, especially those shared with Bonnie or spent visiting family. His love for travel, classic engines, and the community that surrounded them was a defining part of who he was.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; his second wife, Lana; his son, Kevin Perusse; and his brother, Larry Perusse. He is survived by his devoted wife, Bonnie Perusse of Russellville; his son, Kolby Perusse (Michelle) of Springfield, Missouri; his granddaughter, Haley Perusse, and great-grandson, Cooper Perusse, both of Mt. Vernon, Missouri; his daughter, Kathy Kellogg of Willard, Missouri; and his brother, Wayne Perusse (Patricia) of Springfield, Missouri. He is also lovingly remembered by seven stepchildren – Brent Butler, Steve Butler, Laurie Geurian, Rebecca Cooper, Karen Brodin, Jamie Wornick, and Carey Hilburn Jr. – along with numerous step-grandchildren including Austin, Brandon, Kevin, Amanda, Emma, Sara, Briana, Bradley, Mya, Trent, Andrea, Olivia, Dillon, Dustin, and Austin, and ten step-great-grandchildren who affectionately knew him as "Papa Sonny."

Those who knew Sonny will remember his gentle spirit, his love of family gatherings, his appreciation for beautiful engines and open roads, and the joy he found in sharing stories from his travels. His legacy is one of kindness, loyalty, and quiet strength – qualities that will live on through the many lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Humphrey Chapel, with Rev. Chad Duvall officiating. Burial will follow at Pisgah Cemetery in Pottsville, Arkansas, under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the Wounded Warrior Project. An online obituary and guestbook are available at www. humphreyfuneral.com.