William Clarence "Bill" Perkins

William "Bill" Clarence Perkins, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away March 15, 2024. He was born on September 2, 1938, in Richmond, Indiana, to William and Edna Perkins.
Bill graduated from Richmond High School and later served his country in the United States Army, where he was trained as a medical technologist. Following his military service, he pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Rochester in 1968 and a master's degree in Organic Chemistry from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1972. Additionally, he obtained a Bachelor of Music from the University of California, Irvine.
In 1964, Bill married Visitacion (Bondee) Espiritu, with whom he shared a loving and fulfilling marriage. Together, they raised two sons, William (Debbie) of Riverside, California and Barry (Ivonne) of Murrieta, California. Their family expanded with the addition of six grandchildren: Liese, Maya, Billy, Raymond, Andrew, and Noah, as well as one great-grandchild, Aaliyah.
Bill is also survived by his three sisters: Barbara Hurd, Janice Armstead, and Robin Shorter, and his brother, Tony Perkins (Terri) as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Edna Perkins, and his brothers-in-law, David Hurd and Bob Armstead.
Throughout his life, Bill had a deep passion for music, which he shared generously with others. Alongside Bondee, he owned and operated Perkins Music Center in Irvine, California, for many years. Their dedication to fostering musical talent in the community was evident in their commitment to music education. Bill furthered his own education to teach high school music, exemplifying his lifelong commitment to the art form.
Even in retirement, Bill remained an active musician, delighting audiences with his performances on the trumpet and saxophone. His contributions to numerous musical groups enriched the cultural fabric of his community, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of hearing him play.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Bill had a distinguished career as a chemist, contributing to scientific research and publishing works in esteemed journals. His legacy extends beyond his professional accomplishments to encompass his warmth, kindness and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and passions.
Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on through the music he loved and the lives he touched.
Memorial Service for William "Bill" Clarence Perkins will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond, Indiana. Burial will be at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Wayne Co. Honor Guard.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.