Wayne Perkins

Wayne Allen Perkins, age 61 years of Niles, husband, father, grandfather, brother, churchman, athletic booster, fisherman, and grillmaster died unexpectedly from natural causes Tuesday morning, June 9, 2020 at home.

He was born on January 31, 1959 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Forrest Larry and Donna (Blackney) Perkins, Sr., and graduated from Galien (Michigan) High School.  He continued his education at Southwestern Michigan College where he earned an Associates degree.  He has been employed at NCP Coatings (formerly Niles Chemical Paint) for many years.

Wayne was a member and Deacon at Sumnerville (Michigan) Bible Baptist Church where he was also a longtime participant in the church softball league.  Wayne was a founding member of the “Out”-laws (you know who you are!).  He was an elected member of the Niles Charter Township Park Board, and volunteered with the Optimist Soccer League, the Galien Chanters 4-H Club, the Buchanan Westerners Riding Club, and the Berrien County Youth Fair.

Wayne told everyone that he was forever blessed by the grace of God to persevere and work on his marriage, resulting in a partnership that was pleasing to the Lord.  Wayne also strove to live as an example of God’s unconditional love in his warm welcome of all those he met.

He enjoyed time with family and friends, fishing until he was sunburned, and grilling all requests, even salmon and vegetables.  His greatest joy was his family.

On August 4, 1979 in Niles he married Tara Jo (Polega) with whom he celebrated last year the fortieth anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Tara Perkins and their children, Miranda (& Joshua) Matthews of Mishawaka, Indiana, Zachary (& Emily) Perkins of South Bend, Indiana, Noah Perkins of Niles, and Jordan Perkins of Niles; grandchildren Sullivan Perkins, Augustus Perkins, Olivia Matthews, and Persephone Matthews; Wayne’s siblings, F. Larry (& Joyce) Perkins, Jr. of Niles and Martha (& Mike) White of Niles; Tara’s mother, Jo Flock of Niles, and Tara’s siblings, Renee Polega, Alicia Polega, Tim (& Suzi) Polega, Jack (& Cheri) Flock, David Flock, and Karen Flock; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-parents, Donna & Donavon Brown and Forrest “Whitey” & Barbara Perkins.

The family of Wayne Perkins will be hosting a celebration of life at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 in the Pavilion of the Community Evangelical Free Church (CEFC), 120 East Bertrand Road, Niles, Michigan  49120.  They will receive relatives and friends begining at 5:00 p.m. in the pavilion, and will offer refreshments following the celebration.

Contributions in memory of Wayne may be made to Sumnerville Bible Baptist Church, 61268 Indian Lake Road, Niles, Michigan  49120.  Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Wayne was kind and gentle, with a great sense of humor; always interested in the best for those around him, especially his family, as evidence of God’s Love.