SEYMOUR
Robert Lewis Perkins, 81, of Seymour, passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020, at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour.
Born April 20, 1939, in Ripley County, he was the son of the late Daily K. and Lula P. (Smith) Perkins. He married Mary Hocking-Gilbert on December 12, 2015; she survives.
Robert graduated from Holton High School in 1957 and had attended Versailles Vocational School. He later served in the U.S. Air Force. In 1959, he went to work for Arvin and later Martinrea. He worked for 45 years before retiring in 2004. Over the course of his employment, he was able to take numerous continuing education courses on robotics through his company. Robert was a member of the Butlerville Mennonite Church and enjoyed computers, reading, watching westerns, and square dancing.
Surviving with his wife, Mary Hocking-Gilbert of Seymour, are his sons, William Perkins, David Wayne (Debbie) Hocking, and Mike (Julie) Hocking, all of Seymour, and Kenis (Jamie) Cornett and Donald Cornett, both of North Vernon; daughters, Brenda (Gary) Powers of Columbus and Donna (Todd) Mellencamp of Seymour; brother, Joseph (Stephanie) Perkins of North Carolina; sisters, Anna (Leroy) Johnson of Milan and Betty (Larry) Jackson of North Vernon; several grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Aleta Pearl (Bishop) Perkins; second wife, Annie (Webb) Perkins; son, Billy Cornett; daughter, Elizabeth Frietzsche; brothers, William Perkins and Donald Perkins; sisters, Evelyn Hunt and Mary DeGolyer; and infant sister, Lilian Perkins.
A funeral service for Robert will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison with burial to follow. Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Services were entrusted to the care of these arrangements.
In compliance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines, only 50 people will be allowed in the military chapel during services at a time. We thank our families for their continued cooperation during these difficult times as we strive to help keep our community safe. Masks are required.
Memorials may be made through the funeral home in Robert’s honor to St. Vincent DePaul.