Kenneth Perry Jr.

KENNETH LEROY PERRY JR. Cedar Rapids Kenneth Leroy Perry Jr., 76, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019. Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Ken is survived by his children, Shelle (Dennis) Youngblut of Mount Vernon, Yvette Perry of Monticello, MaDonna Perry of Cedar Rapids, Carrie (Mike) Suggett of San Diego, Calif., Sonja Perry of Mount Vernon and Chandis Perry of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Jared Youngblut, Heather Youngblut, Colton Krob, Austin Krob, Karlie Krob, Jake Suggett, Nicole Suggett, Taylor Suggett, Tyler Kirkpatrick, Josephina Perry, Corey Perry and Noble Kohl; and great-grandchildren, Brendan Youngblut, Blake Youngblut and Brysen Youngblut. He is also survived by his sister, Celestine "Sally" Johnson of Fort Worth, Texas; brother, Byron Perry of Cedar Rapids; niece, Brenda (Mark) Calbow; nephews, Calvin (Chris) Johnson and Patrick Perry; and former wife, Shirley Snell. Ken was born July 12, 1942, the son of Pearl and Kenneth Perry Sr. He graduated from Regis High School in 1961, then honorably served his country in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1964. Ken married Shirley Williams in 1965. Ken was a true civil servant and politically active most of his life. He was elected locally in 1972 to serve as the Linn County clerk of district court, where he was distinguished to have served as the last elected and first appointed Linn County clerk of court. He was proud to have followed his father's footsteps as the clerk of court. Ken was later elected and served on the Linn County Board of Supervisors from 1989 to 1992. After his public service, he went on to sell real estate, was a driver for several retirement communities and worked part-time at the Oakland Road Hy-Vee. As a member of the Linn County Democratic Central Committee, Ken was passionate about politics. He enjoyed the excitement of campaigning and talking about the issues with everyone. It was important for him to keep social contacts and stay busy. He was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, VFW Post 788, Marion American Legion Post 298, and a lifetime member of the International Association of Clerks, Recorders, Election Officials and Treasurers. Ken will be remembered as a great dancer to the music of the '50s and '60s. He was still hitting area dance floors several times a week. Ken also enjoyed everything John Wayne. He was preceded in death by his parents; nephews, Michael Dean Johnson and Eric Martin Perry; and brother-in-law, Jerry Johnson. Memorials may be directed to the Linn County Democratic Central Committee or Hospice House of Mercy. Please share your support and memories with Ken's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.