PERKINS, Billy E. "Bill" - b. July 11, 1934 - d. January 7, 2025

[patyrn]

Billy E. "Bill" Perkins, age 91, a lifelong resident of rural Howard, Kansas, passed away on January 7, 2026 at his home.  He was born on July 11, 1934, the son of Earl and Emma Bernadine (Moore) Perkins.

Growing up, Bill attended Union Center School, often riding his horse to the one-room rural schoolhouse.  He was a charter member of the Flint Hills Boosters 4-H Club and graduated from Howard High School in 1952.  While in high school, Bill loved playing football which became a passion for him to watch and attend games throughout his life.

As a student at Kansas State College in Manhattan, Kansas, Bill was in the Army ROTC and Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Part of his K-State experience was his adventure as an International Foreign Youth Exchange student, traveling to Argentina and living on a cattle ranch.  He graduated from Kansas State with his Bachelor's degree in Animal Husbandry in 1958.  After college, he returned to the family ranch near Howard and served in the United States Army Reserves.

Over his lifetime, Bill would operate a cow/calf operation with his father and brother; then later with his daughter and nephews.  He was devoted to the stewardship of the land and the stockmanship of the herd.  On June 14, 1959, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Ramona Sue Tucker.  Bill and Susie's marriage spanned over 65 years, working side by side on their ranch until her death on October 19, 2024.

Ranching was Bill's life with a devotion to God, his wife Susie, and his family.  Bill was not all work and no play.  He enjoyed square dancing, playing bridge, and snow and water skiing.  He rarely missed school and 4-H activities and sporting events of his children and grandchildren.  Bill and Susie held K-State season football tickets for many years and enjoyed traveling to bowl games.  He was involved in his community as a member of the Howard Methodist Church, Howard Rotary, and was the current President of Watershed District #47.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Kate Perkins and husband, David Whetstone of Howard, Kansas; grandchildren, Tim Whetstone and wife, Mackenzie and Hannah Whetstone; his sister-in-law, Shelby Perkins; and three nephews, Rick (Susan) Perkins, Patrick (Julie) Perkins, and Phillip Perkins.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Susie; his son, Timothy; his sister, Betty Joan Perkins; and his brother, Don Perkins.

Cremation has been requested with a memorial Celebration of Life to be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.at the Howard Methodist Church in Howard, Kansas.  The family suggests in Bill's memory that you dress in boots, jeans, and K-State purple.  Memorials have been suggested to the Tim Perkins Memorial Scholarship via the Elk County Community Foundation and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com.  Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)