David Mark Perry, age 65, passed away at Mosiac Life Care Albany (MO) on January 13th, 2023.
David was born on December 15th 1957, in Corning Iowa to Merrill and Mary Lou (Hulett) Perry. He was born into a musical and artistic family. His first exposure to the piano, as a toddler, was taking a ball peen hammer to the ivories.
In 1961, they moved to Mt. Ayr (IA) as Merrill accepted the band position at MACHS.
Dave graduated in 1976 from MACHS.
Dave was involved in Methodist Youth Fellowship and sang in the choir.
He graduated from Southwestern Community College in Creston in 1978, with an Associates in Music.
He was involved in show choir and jazz band under the direction of the great Dick Bauman.
On May 23rd,1987, he married Lisa (Groom) Perry. He returned to college at NWMSU, and graduated in 1993 with a BA in instrumental Music Education. He was involved in The Bearcat Marching Band, Woodwinds, and Jazz Band. He wrote a musical piece for the Bearcats Band that was performed at a halftime show at Arrowhead Stadium.
He also played with the Jazz Band in the French Quarter in New Orleans.
David sang and played trumpet at many weddings, including his own.
He played piano and trumpet in different church praise bands over the decades.
He also wrote and played many Christian songs.
In 1981, he began his cooking and restaurant management career, cooking for some of the fine restaurants in Iowa and Missouri. His best cooking gig, by far, was cooking for the homeless in Springfield. He served approximately 65,000 meals at The Salvation Army.
Dave’s longest teaching period was in North Nodaway, Hopkins (MO). He loved his students and they loved him.
Dave was a big kid at heart. He loved Looney Tunes, Spongebob, Star Trek and Star Wars.
Dave loved The Lord, his family, his students, music, golf, hockey and football.
He had a huge heart and will be so missed.
He is rejoicing with his Lord and Savior.
Preceding him in death: Merrill Perry, father; Mary Lou, mother; Susan Perry, step-mom and nephew Caleb Couts.
Surviving him are his wife of 35 years, Lisa, Grant City (MO); Sister, Lesa Nuri, Phoenix (AZ); brothers Mark Avitt, Austin (TX), Michael Avitt,Afton (IA); Mother in law Evelyn Groom, Albany (MO); Brother in law Mike Groom (Kay Manthe), Galesburg (IL) and his beloved furbabies along with 4 nephews and 4 nieces.
Memorial service is June 3rd at 11 am at Crossroads church in Grant City (MO).
Food, stories. and music following the service.
If desired, wear Chiefs, Bearcats, North Nodaway, Hockey, Star Trek or Star Wars attire.
No comments:
Post a Comment