John Perkins

John Perkins, 73, of Abilene died Monday, October 22, 2012 at Hendrick Medical Center. A graveside service for interment of cremains will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27, in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. John was born June 7, 1939 in Merkel, Texas to Floyd Vernon Perkins and Myrtle Clara (Driggers) Perkins. In the 1980's John worked for Hand Incorporated Oil Field Supply Company selling oil field equipment and running oil leases. He later owned and operated JP Petroleum Company. After retiring from his company John worked as a security guard for Abilene Lumber. He married Pamela Montgomery in San Juan, Texas in 1990. John was adventurous and passionate. In his early years he competed in local Drag Races - both on and off the track. Memories shared by nieces and nephews recall his black and white Ford with the Police Interceptor. His display of trophies defined his success on the race track. There are many memories of playing Miniature Golf and bowling with Uncle John. He was a patient teacher who thrived on competition. His zest for life did not diminish and he proudly obtained his pilot's license in his fifties proving you're never too old to accomplish your dreams. He maintained his mechanical talents by restoring a Model A of which he was very proud. He enjoyed challenges and quickly mastered the magic of Rubik's cube amazing family by solving the puzzle in record speed. John had a passion for learning and was more versed on computer operations than most men his age. He loved streaming classic country music while viewing sites from Google Earth, emailing family and friends and he even had a Facebook Page. John shared his adventurous spirit with family taking them on vacations to the Ozarks, camping on the lakes and beaches of Texas and entertaining visitors with trips to historic sites close to home. John was strict and often cantankerous, but also loving and caring with family, friends and neighbors. He was the teller of "tall tales" and a bit of a prankster with a paramount sense of humor. His high pitched "HELLOOO" when answering the phone is cheerfully remembered by loved ones. He was always there to offer assistance when needed whether it was a ride home, fixing a mower or helping a niece with a home improvement project. As a young man he assisted his parents and grandmother with yard maintenance. This caring spirit continued throughout his life as he assisted elderly neighbors whenever needed. John's grass and landscaping were always beautiful and meticulously maintained. He was an avid gardener and excellent cook. No one can capture the deliciousness of his home made fajitas and pica de gallo made with fresh ingredients from his garden. He was the Family Encyclopedia and go-to person for family records and facts which could be recalled in a moment's notice. He made friends easily. He could meet a person and within 5 minutes be their best friend and know all their history. John was devoted to family and didn't hesitate to say "I love you" when leaving or ending a phone call. He rarely missed a family birthday sending an email or calling to recognize your special day. He would stop by for a visit or call out of the blue just to check on you. He enjoyed family gatherings and cookouts participating in numerous "Hot Dog" eating competitions with his son, brothers and nephews. He loved fishing. Some of his favorite fishing trips were to the Condo on South Padre Island with his wife. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Raymond Perkins and one sister, Carolyn Gutzke. John is survived by his wife, Pamela Perkins of Abilene; his son, Johnny Perkins and wife Melanie of Comanche; his daughter, Traci Perkins Selcer and husband Tom of New Braunfels; one brother, Robert Perkins of Maypearl; three sisters, Dorothy Rupp and husband Robert of Baird, Mary Stevens of Clyde, Peggy Deen and husband Gerald of Houston; five grandchildren, Kevin Williams, Tyler Perkins, Randi Perkins, Jacob Selcer and Mykala Selcer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. John passes from this earthly life way too soon leaving many special memories to be cherished by family and friends.