Kenneth Dale Perry, 80, of Mansfield, passed away Sunday afternoon, Sept. 4, 2016, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.
He was born Sept. 14, 1935, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late Oscar and Margaret (Hoover) Perry.
He graduated from Springfield Township High School and was an outstanding athlete, setting many records in track and basketball. Dale retired as a member of the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local #42 after over 40 years of service. Retirement allowed him to do many activities he thoroughly enjoyed including traveling all over the world and fishing, especially at Lake Erie.
He enjoyed his winters in the Florida sunshine. Dale was a gentleman and was well respected both in his work and personal life. Known to be a bit stubborn at times, he remained active his entire life. Dale was a wonderful storyteller and enjoyed being a bit of a joker. His family was most important to him and he passed on a wonderful legacy to be treasured by all who knew him.
He was a member of Ontario United Methodist Church, and, along with the trustees, had been instrumental in the construction of the new church. While in Florida, he attended Carlson Memorial Church. Dale was a member of many organizations over the years including Amvets, VFW, and Union Local #42. He also served as a volunteer firefighter, traveled with Habitat for Humanity, and was a part of church mission construction projects in South Carolina.
He is survived by his wife, Norma Jean Smith Perry; three sons, Kenneth Perry (Tammy Clapper), of Shelby, Ohio, Randy (Donnie) Perry, of Ontario, and Doug (Cheryl) Perry, of Ft. Gay, West Virginia; seven grandchildren, Jason (Tiffany) Perry, of Lexington, Ohio, Josh (Jennifer) Perry, of Ontario, Ben Perry, of Columbus, Dani Perry, of Los Angeles, California, Neil (Haley) Perry, of Centerburg, Ohio, Crystal (Adam) Hamilton of Hilliard, Ohio, Kyle Perry, of Marengo, Ohio; four step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and three on the way.
He is also survived by a sister, Alice Bowers, of Portage, Michigan; several nieces and nephews; and many other dear family members.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Wendell Perry; and a sister, Dorothy Rhodes.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd. The funeral service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in the funeral with Rev. Peg Welch officiating and Rev. Karen Wagenhals assisting. Burial will follow in Ontario Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ontario United Methodist Church, Memorial Fund, 3540 Park Avenue West, Ontario, Ohio 44906.
Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com.
