George Martin Perkins

George Martin Perkins, 90, of Sedalia, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Loving Arms Memory Care in Sedalia. He was born on January 27, 1935, at his family's farm near Pilot Grove, Missouri, a son of George Emil and Inez Grace (Bilderback) Perkins.



George grew up on the farm doing chores and attending Pilot Grove School. On June 20, 1943, he was confirmed at St. John the Baptist Church in Pilot Grove. He moved away from the farm to Sedalia and worked as a mechanic and sold auto parts for Central States Auto Supply.



On August 30, 1966, at Windsor, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Dolores (Dillon) Pearl. After their marriage, they bought a farm south of Sedalia near Springfork, where they raised cattle and hogs. They attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Springfork and St. John's Catholic Church in Bahner.



On top of farming, George worked as a custodian and bus driver for the Smithton School District, retiring after 20 years of service. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Pettis County Fire Department for many years, fighting fires and helping on automobile wrecks. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge in Sedalia.



Keeping busy, he took on many odd jobs, including fixing lawn mowers and tillers. George also got involved in racing at Missouri State Fair Speedway as a push driver in his old Ford Truck with its big push bumper and yellow flashing light on top with cigar in hand and wife, Dolores, by his side.



He is survived by his daughters, Teresa Young and Vernon of Otterville and Sheila Naylor of Sedalia; son, Wesley Pearl of Sedalia; grandchildren, VJ Young, Katelyn Young, Daniel Naylor, Jason Naylor, Zackery Naylor, Nathan Naylor, Tami Pearl and Debbie Pearl; and several great-grandchildren.



George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Inez Perkins, wife, Dolores Perkins, son, Jessie Pearl, son-in-law, Jerry Naylor, sisters, Mary Pauley and Joan Smith, and brothers, Francis Perkins and Henry Perkins.



The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sedalia on Saturday, November 22, 2025, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Father Joseph S. Corel officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery at Springfork. Pallbearers will be VJ Young, Vernon Young, Joshua Dillon, Donald Paul Bockelman, Katelyn Young, and Lance Selvey.



The family suggests memorial contributions be given to St. Patrick's Cemetery in care of the Fox Funeral Home, Cole Camp. Online condolences may be left at www.foxfuneralhomecolecampmo.com.