Bill W. Perkins, age 87, died January 5, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas., surrounded by his family. He was born on February 17, 1937, to Mary Elizabeth Byford Perkins and William Gilbert Perkins on his family’s farm in Edwards County, Illinois, where he graduated from high school in 1955. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Illinois at Carbondale, Illinois in animal science and his master’s degree from the same university in animal nutrition. He met his wife, Judith, in Freeport, Illinois in 1962. They married on June 12, 1965, in Freeport, Illinois and moved to Dexter, Missouri where he began employment with Monarch Feed Mills. The couple originally lived on Boucher Street and then purchased a home in 1975 outside the city limits with 17 acres where he kept the lawn trimmed with his Massey Ferguson tractor, and was also known for using it to pull neighbors out of the ditch or for plowing the road in a snowstorm.
Bill worked for Monarch Feed Mills over 20 years, first as a nutritionist and later as manager. In 1987, he began working as an independent consultant in animal nutrition, traveling to Ukraine, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Saudia Arabia, China, Philippines, and Thailand for business. Bill and Judy moved to Wichita, Kansas in 2015, where he continued to display unwavering love and devotion to his precious wife to the very end. He was an enthusiast for human nutrition and natural healing, generously helping many who crossed his path. His seriousness was often dispelled by his dry wit and hearty laugh. He loved dancing in his cowboy boots, waterskiing, and playing tennis. Bill was an active member of the United Methodist Church wherever he lived.
Bill was previously deceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife Judith Perkins of Wichita, Kansas and sister Paralee (Perry) Perkins of Oswego, Illinois. He is also survived by three daughters: Joan Perkins of Washington, D.C.; Janice Perkins of Wichita, Kansas; and Jill Perkins Hare of Greensboro, North Carolina. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Mia and Elena Shaker, Asher and Giya Fairbairn, and Evelyn and Lydia Hare.
A private family memorial service was held on January 6. Donations can be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 1550 N. Chapel Hill Street, Wichita, Kansas (316-684-1117) in his memory.
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