Larry J. Perkins 1/26/38 - 3/24/12

Larry Perkins was born January 26, 1938, in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Paul and Evelyn Perkins. He attended Lincoln High School, and then his family moved to Boulder, Colorado his senior year where he graduated from high school. He received his B.A. in 1961, and Masters of Music Education in 1965 from the University of Colorado. Larry is survived by his wife Joan, daughter Michelle (Dr. Chris Hall) of Beatrice, Nebraska and son, Jonathan Perkins, of Los Angeles, California. He had five grandchildren: Charis, Cai, Calla, Chloe, and Colton Hall, all of Beatrice, Nebraska. He also had two brothers-in-law, Dick Swan (Tolly) and Jerry Swan (Sheila) and sister-in-law, Carol Lattery, and many cousins. He served four years as junior high band director followed by 18 years as high school band director. He also taught music theory, history, and composition. During his 22-year tenure as band director, his bands, ensembles, and students consistently captured state and national superior ratings. His program was recognized as one of the top 100 music education programs in the United States. He was also the director and designer of marching band/halftime shows at the USAFA Band Day. Larry served as Coordinator of Informational Services for Academy School District Twenty from 1986 - 1997. when he retired. In his retirement, he worked tirelessly collecting and preserving information, photos and artifacts about District Twenty all on a volunteer basis. He was project manager for the history books, Volume I, The Good Old Days, and Volume II, Growing Pains. He loved the Lord and faithfully served at First Presbyterian Church for over 40 years in various positions including executive committee chair, elder, deacon, and usher. Larry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather as well as an avid golfer, great joke teller, and a loyal and generous friend. He touched the lives of many people with his smile and encouragement, and he maintained his trademark sense of humor throughout his entire life. The Celebration of Life Service was held at First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, March 28 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church - Music Department, Colorado Parkinson Foundation, Inc., or Pikes Peak Hospice.