Clyde William Perkins Obituary (1937 - 2018)

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Clyde William Perkins, passed away at home on May 28, 2018, surrounded by loved ones. A tribute to his life on this honored Memorial Day, Major Clyde Perkins (US Army Retired), courageously ‘soldiered’ his way through a well-fought battle with cancer and returned to his heavenly home. He left the family a legacy and model of true patriotism and Christ-like love that will continue to be felt through many generations. Clyde was born on April 22, 1937, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, to Jesse Arnett Perkins and Kathleen Minnie Coombs. He enlisted in the United States Army at age 16, served 2 tours in Korea during the Korean War, and completed military assignments in Japan, Alaska, Washington, Colorado, California, Utah, and several other bases stateside. He met Marlene Major while assigned at the Tooele Army Depot in Utah; they were married on May 14, 1959. Clyde and Marlene were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 14, 1964. They had 4 children. Following his retirement from the US Army, he worked for the Bureau of Land Management, and later the LDS Church in facilities maintenance. Clyde was an excellent marksman and a member of several competition shooting teams. He was actively involved in his community and served in the Livermore Police Reserve Force in California, and on the Magna Arts Council and Copper Days Committee in Magna, Utah. He mentored many young men through the Boy Scouts of America program in the early 1960s and throughout his life. Clyde loved working with his hands, building models, or working on repairs or home remodeling projects. He traveled abroad with his wife Marlene and enjoyed experiencing new cultures. He loved spending time with his family camping, fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles, shooting, and participating in all types of activities outdoors. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially for birthday dates. Clyde’s life was a legacy of love. He tenderly cared for his wife Marlene during the many years she endured poor health until her passing in 2007. He never complained despite numerous challenges throughout his life and he was always cheerful and patient. He was a friend to all; he was known for his big heart, generous nature, integrity, and service to others. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many church callings; Bishoprics, High Council, and Temple Worker in the Jordan River, Oquirrh Mountain and St. George temples. Following the death of his wife Marlene, he married Marion Leslie Tollison in 2008. Clyde and Leslie served 2 full-time LDS missions in Hawaii and Oklahoma. He faithfully completed their 2nd mission in Oklahoma while undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Clyde and Leslie touched the lives of many people through their missionary service. Clyde is preceded in death by his wife Marlene, son Michael, and great-granddaughter Hazel. He is survived by his wife Leslie, daughters Patti (Martin Hardle), Sandy (Kim Bowen), Linda Lee, 11 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and the Tollison family. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, June 1, 2018, at the South Jordan Utah Highland Stake Center, 10227 S. 4000 W., South Jordan, Utah. Viewing held on Thursday, May 31, 2018 from 6-8 pm at the Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Funeral Home, 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy (10600 S), South Jordan, Utah and June 1, 2018, 10:00-10:45 am prior to the funeral services. Interment following funeral service at the Kaysville City Cemetery.