Verlin Perry

Verlin D. Perry climbed mountains in Austria, piloted airplanes flying throughout the mid-west, rode with the wind on his Indian motorcycle throughout the rural counties of Illinois, boated and water skied often on the Illinois River, and spent countless hours on his fertilizer sprayer in the fields of West Central Illinois.  God called him home on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at 5:40 p.m. with his family holding his hands and surrounding his bedside. 

Born in Quincy on December 3rd, 1931 to Alva C. and Nona V. Perry of Timewell, Verlin graduated from Timewell Grade School and Brown County High School.  He then attended Gem City Business College in Quincy. 

Verlin served his country in the Korean War in the 350th Infantry of the Army from 1951 to his discharge from Salzburg, Austria in 1953. 

On September 10, 1955, he married Eunetta I. Dunbar at the First Christian Church of Mt. Sterling.  She preceded him in death on December 21, 2008.

Verlin worked for his father at A.C. Perry Elevator for many years until starting his own business at Perry Feed and Fertilizer in 1980.  Verlin served the agricultural needs of the area with honesty and dedication until his retirement in December of 2016. 

He was a member of the Timewell Christian Church, Hardin Lodge # 44 A.F & AM. (50 year member), Quincy Consistory (60 year member), Kendrick Lodge # 430 A.F. & A.M., Shriners, Timewell Lions Club, Timewell American Legion Post # 1059  and the Mt. Sterling American Legion Post # 374. 

The caption beside Verlin's senior picture read, "We often see this chap about; Into mischief---without a doubt".  While Verlin was adventurous and enjoyed life to the fullest, he will be remembered for his deep compassion  and respect for every person he met in this life while always being kind and respectful.  

Verlin is survived by 3 children, Kristal Perry-Gutierrez (Ed) of Springfield, Ill, LeAnn Kassing (Ron) and Ed Perry (Peggy) of Mt. Sterling.  He was blessed with 7 grandchildren:  Sommer (Clinton) Stiefel, Evan (Sarah) Kassing, John (Cassie) Brazaitis, Edna (John) Casey, Leah (Jordan) Zeitler, Joseph Perry and Maddy Perry.  9 great grandchildren survive with the 10th due to arrive in 2021.  His very special best  friend who spent countless hours with Verlin during the last 3 years of his life, Robert Surratt of Jacksonville, also survives. 

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Alvin W. Perry. 

There will be no public visitation for Verlin due to the Covid pandemic.  Graveside services for the public will be held on Saturday, October 31st, at 11 a.m. at Mounds Cemetery in Timewell with Military Honors by the Illinois National Guard Funeral Honors Detail and the Mt. Sterling American Legion Post #374. 

The services will also be recorded and available to watch later Saturday afternoon on Verlin’s obituary page of the funeral home website.

If you plan on attending the services please bring a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.

Memorials are suggested to the Timewell Christian Church and may be left or mailed to the Hendricker Funeral Home, 406 South Capitol Avenue, Mt. Sterling, IL  62353.

Condolences for the family can be left online at hendrickerfuneralhome.com

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

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