Ronald Aaron Perkins, known as Perk, Rip, Pop-Po, Dad, Brother and Friend quietly passed from his earthly life on June 28th, 2023, at his home in Zephyr.
Ronald was born on an icy day, March 27th, 1938, as the 3rd child of Wallace and Louise Gable Perkins in Ebony, Texas. In 1943, at 5 years of age, the family moved to the Dabney Place in Zephyr, where Ronald remained for the majority of his life.
Ronald graduated from Zephyr High School in 1956. Upon graduation, he left to work for the Santa Fe Railroad only to find that he was a rancher at heart and returned to the home place in Zephyr. Ronald spent 6 years serving his country with the National Guard. He day worked on many ranches in the Brown County area gathering cattle alongside cowboys: Toss Coffee, Joe Turner, Marson Carpenter and Blaine Quirl, Bill Carpenter, and Ed Gravell.
Saturday night often found him on the dance floor where he was known for his “whirl”. On July 14th, 1967, the Cowboy said to the Panhandle girl, “Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?” and Ronald married Linda “Butch” Moon. They spent their 56 years of marriage together on the home place in Zephyr, raising their 3 children. Ronald was a lifetime member of Zephyr Methodist Church where he was baptized on April 14,1949.
Ronald was a hard worker, taking care of his family and serving his community. He was a brand inspector for 16 years for the Texas Cattle Raisers Association working in auction barns in Brownwood, Comanche, San Saba, Mason, and Junction. He served on the Zephyr Water Supply Board as an original member and later worked as the Zephyr Water Supply system manager for 33 years. He also served on the Zephyr I.S.D. School Board. With livestock and ranching his true love, he proudly served the Brown County Youth Fair as Arena Director for the Brown County Rodeo for several years. Ronald was instrumental in the founding of the Zephyr Junior Rodeo in 1962.
Ronald’s pride and joy was his family. He loved any family gathering. He enjoyed attending the rodeos, dance recitals, sporting events and stock shows in which his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren participated.
Left behind to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy are his wife Linda (Butch) Perkins, his children Scott Perkins and Liz Lewis of Midland, Chad Perkins and wife DeAnn of Zephyr and Amy Perkins Montague and husband Frank of Mason. Grandchildren Chad Butler and wife Krystal of Zephyr, Codi Perkins and fiancé Daniel Purcell of May, Cade Perkins of Zephyr, Calli Montague, Chase Montague and Casey Montague of Mason. Three great grandchildren Slade, Sawyer and Millie Butler of Zephyr. Sister Mary Waites of San Angelo, brother Darrell Perkins and wife Reva of Zephyr along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family would like to thank Alpha Omega Hospice for their care and support that allowed our beloved Pop-Po to remain at home surrounded by those he deeply loved.
The Perkins family will receive friends at Heartland Funeral Home from 5:00 until 7:00 on Friday, July 7, 2023.
The funeral service will take place at 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 8, 2023, in the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Zephyr Cemetery.
The family requests that memorials be made to Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth,
1001 8th Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas, 76104 or to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas, 79605.
Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the Perkins family online at heartlandfuneralhome.com