Calvin Wayne Perkins, age 69, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on May 23, 2025. Born on July 23, 1955, in Mansfield, he was the son of the late Jack S. Perkins and Barbara Ellen (Briggs) Perkins Clark.
A proud and decorated veteran, Calvin served in the United States Army and Army National Guard for more than 21 years, including active duty during the Gulf War. Inspired by his father, a fellow Army man who signed the papers to help him enlist, Calvin committed his life to service and rose to the rank of Specialist (SPC). He was a man of duty, resilience, and grit, always showing up for his country and his fellow soldiers.
Calvin shared much of that military journey with his younger brother, Malvin Perkins, who described Calvin as the “bossy older brother” growing up. But through years of side-by-side service, their bond grew from sibling rivalry into deep friendship. In recent years, the two were not just brothers, but roommates and closest companions.
After his military career, Calvin worked several jobs and lived in different places, but eventually made his way back to Mansfield — the city of his birth and his heart. He was a life member of VFW Post 9943, where he stayed actively involved, connecting with fellow veterans and honoring the legacy of service. He will be laid to rest at the Veterans Honor Wall in Mansfield Cemetery with full military honors, coordinated by the Richland County Veterans Service Commission. The date of burial will be announced soon.
Calvin was more than a soldier — he was a man of many layers. He was determined, outgoing, and kind-hearted, sometimes almost too generous for his own good. He loved a good story, a stiff drink, and, as anyone who knew him will tell you, a pretty woman with a nice smile — Calvin was a flirt with charm to spare, and he made no apologies for it.
He was also a massive sports fan, cheering tirelessly for the Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Buckeyes, often from his favorite chair with a snack in hand. One of his greatest joys in recent years was bonding with his son Timothy Perkins over WWE wrestling. More than anything, Calvin loved being Grandpa to his three granddaughters, a role he wore with pride and playfulness.
He is survived by his sons: Jeremy Long and Tim (Nichole) Perkins, and granddaughters Maveny Marie Perkins, LeeAnn Perkins, and April Rain Perkins. He also leaves behind his brother Malvin Perkins, nephew Michael Allen Kingman, and a large circle of cousins, extended family, and dear friends — nearly all of whom called Mansfield home alongside him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his former spouse Cindy Perkins, and also resting in Mansfield Cemetery is Donna Faye Wilson, the mother of his son Tim.
A Celebration of Life will be hosted by VFW Post 9943 on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., at 806 Grace Street, Mansfield, Ohio. Friends, family, and fellow veterans are encouraged to bring a covered dish and — more importantly — their stories of Calvin to share, laugh over, and remember him well.
Calvin Wayne Perkins lived a life of loyalty, love, laughter, and deep service. He leaves behind a community that’s better for having known him — and one that will miss him every single day. Snyder Funeral Homes, Marion Avenue Chapel is honored to serve the family with cremation services.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Marion Avenue Chapel
Website: https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Calvin-Perkins?obId=42683131#/obituaryInfo