Gary Perkins

Gary Arnold Perkins, 82, of Des Moines, IA, passed away on January 1, 2024. He was born on November 4, 1941, in Des Moines, IA to Richard Hugh Perkins and Marjorie “Maxine” (Woodward) Perkins Smith. Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Gary is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ann; daughters Jackie Jillson, Tracey Wilkerson and Jennifer (Joel) Donaghy.  He loved being a grandpa (Pa) to Andrew (Kim) Jillson, Alison and Will Donaghy, and Molly and Mary Ann Wilkerson. He was also blessed with a great grand-daughter, Carter Jillson.  Gary also has many sisters and brother-in-laws, and nieces and nephews.

Gary graduated from East High School in 1960.  He was scrappy and loved wrestling at the 116 class as an East High Scarlet and running with the heavy weight class Tuinstra brothers.

Gary worked as a Bellhop at the Fort Des Moines Hotel in the early 60’s. He had many fond memories of carrying bags for current celebrities such as Liberace, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash. After marrying Mary Ann, he started his career at Meredith Printing in the pressroom.  He was very active in the printing union which lead him into his next career move as a Labor Union Representative for the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).  Gary ended his career as a real estate salesman with Coldwell Banker.  He was the king of sales for houses in the 50317.

Gary loved everything 50317, especially the Iowa State Fair.  The Midway, the oldie’s concerts on Friday nights, the people watching, the salted nutrolls, and the big slide.  He never missed the Iowa State Fair until the past few years when his health began to deteriorate.  And he was always up for a round of golf at Grandview golf course.

Gary was a friend of Bill W. and had been a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 40 years.   Thank you to so many people at the Penn Ave. White House and Thursday and Saturday Night Southside meetings that helped Gary over the years. Gary cherished his time working with those incarcerated at Fort Des Moines and Newton Correctional Facilities.

Gary was preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Richard and Mary Perkins; mother and step-father Maxine and Bill Smith; sister’s Marcia Dennis and Judy Heiselman and many other in-laws and out-laws.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 5th at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale.  Visitation will start at 2:00 p.m. and the service will begin at 3:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given in memory of Gary, to the family in his name, for a contribution at a later date.