Michael W. Perkins

Perkins, Cpl Michael W., entered eternal life on January 11, 2012 while residing in Wichita, KS. Mike was born June 26, 1978, in Winfield, KS, and graduated from Ruidoso, New Mexico High School in 1997. Mike proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps with Honorable Discharge, where he achieved Meritorious Unit Commendation, Meritorious Mast 2d Award, Rifle and Pistol Sharpshooter Expert Awards, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals. He completed the Sergeant non-resident training program, and became a CDL certified Engineer Equipment Operator. Following his military service, Mike utilized his heavy equipment construction training and expertise and traveled to various states to complete major industrial construction projects. A talented musician, Mike's bass guitar playing is legendary and professionally recorded, having played solo and with a variety of bands, drawing crowds at various locations to listen and marvel. Artistically gifted, Mike could sketch and draw. With a passion for tattoos, he made his body a living canvas. Mike achieved the level of 32nd degree Mason as a member of the Northstar Lodge 168, Wichita, Kansas, and a Shriner with the Midian Shrine. Well known for his quick wit and beaming smile, Mike made all who met him feel welcome and like a friend. He always lent a hand to someone in need, whether a fellow disabled veteran, or someone down on their luck. He is survived by his father David and Stepmother Mary, New Mexico; mother Jeanna Hall and brother Jaron McCormick , Kansas; brother John Perkins, Minnesota. He will be greatly missed by his family, best friend, friends and acquaintances. Final arrangements were provided by Watson Funeral, Wichita, KS. Private Family Burial will be at Fort Stanton Military Cemetery, New Mexico, January 27, 2012 1:00 p.m., where Mike loved the mountains, skiing and military history. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Northstar Masonic Lodge 168, 212 North West St Wichita, KS Midian Shrine Temple 130 North Topeka Wichita, KS and the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 16061, Wichita, KS 67216.