Robert "Bob" E. Perkins

Loyal, hardworking, compassionate, a great sense of humor and fun were just a few ways to describe a great man like Robert "Bob" E. Perkins. He was tough, but loving. He was the rock of his family. he was kind hearted and was always there for you when you needed something.

With Alaska becoming the 49th and Hawaii the 50th state, 1959 had many historical moments. NASA introduced America's first astronauts to the world including John H. Glenn Jr, and Alan Shepard Jr. and the U.S.A. launched the first weather station in space. The popular TV programs that year included Rawhide, Bonanza and The Twilight Zone. The Boeing 707 jet airliner came into service and Mattel launched their Barbie Doll line. On February 10th the biggest news for Robert L. and Dorothy (Evans) Perkins was welcoming their first child, Robert E. Perkins when he was born in Cleveland, Ohio.

At an early age, Bob's family moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana where he and his siblings, Lisa, Tim and Rich grew up. He enjoyed playing softball, baseball and participating in music through school and he found a lifelong love of fishing as a child. He attended South Side High School and graduated in 1977. He had a strong work ethic and before graduating, he started his work career by cooking at one of the Don Hall's restaurants.

In 1980 his life would be forever changed when he met Tina S. Weikart through mutual friends. The young couple would go on to marry on May 29, 1982 in Fort Wayne. They had three children together, Mike, Tana and Jennifer. By 1987 the family moved to Whitley County, first settling in the town of Larwill for a few years before moving to Columbia City. Bob worked at Essex Wire for 18 years and for the past 11 years he worked as a Finisher at Steel Dynamics Inc.

With a love for fishing, Bob was a master fisherman. He also enjoyed golfing, going to Jeep Jams, and playing his guitar. Over the years he played in several rock bands, including, "Richter 9." He was an avid Colts fan and was a member of the NRA.

No matter what was going on in his life, Bob would always make time for his family. Family meant the most to Bob and he was so proud of them, especially his grandchildren. He adored his five grandsons, Quinton, Hunter, Dylan, Ethan, Owen and his only granddaughter, Rya. Being with his family was everything to him. As his children grew up, they played video games together and as technology advanced, he was still able to play against his son over the internet.

Tragically Bob's family's lives were changed forever when he passed away unexpectedly at home at 4:20 p.m. Monday, December 3, 2018 as he was preparing to leave for work. Bob will be missed, but he leaves behind many wonderful memories for his family and friends.

Survivors include his loving wife of 37 years, Tina Perkins; son, Mike (Lisa) Perkins, of Larwill; daughters, Tana (Dustin) Wood, of Columbia City and Jennifer Perkins, of Columbia City; grandchildren, Quinton, Hunter, Dylan, Ethan, Owen and Rya; mother, Dorothy Mathias, of Columbia City; sister, Lisa (Bruce) Simmons, of Albion; and brothers, Tim (Deb) Perkins, of Avilla and Rich (Deb) Perkins, of Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert L. Perkins.

Visitation is 2-6:30 p.m. Friday, December 7, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will begin at 7 p.m. with Pastor Barry Faucett officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to N.F. Midwest. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send his family condolences online.