Eural Donnell Perkins(Donnie), 53, son of the late Eural Vaughn and Vivian Jean Hersey, was born in Saint Joseph, MI and raised in Benton Harbor. Donnie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church by his Great Uncles Rev. W.E. Ellis and Rev. Walter Vaughn. He received a full education culminating in graduation from Benton Harbor High School in 1983 where he was a celebrated athlete on the Tigers Varsity Football Team.
Upon graduation, Donnie briefly attended Davenport college before enlisting in the United States Army. He became a Paratrooper for the renowned Airborne Division. Donnie loved performing jumps out of perfectly good airplanes and helicopters (what a thrill seeker). He proudly served the nation until he was injured and could no longer perform jumps in the defense of his country. He separated from the U.S. Army with an Honorable Discharge and returned to his roots. Donnie loved to work, he was industrious and versatile across multiple occupations and positions until finding his niche. He was highly regarded 3rd Shift Lead for Shipping and Receiving at the Lacks Industries Kraft Plant where he suffered a massive heart attack and did not survive. He departed this life doing what he loved.
His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of Margarita Perkins, his wife of 20 years; his son Donnell Demarco Perkins of Sacramento, CA; and daughters Eryn(Edward) Vick of Indianapolis, IN; Destiny and Naomi Perkins and Samantha Britt of Grand Rapids, MI. He survived by 10 Siblings, Alice Vaughn Rosebud of Mobile, AL; Greg(Janice) Vaughn of Benton Harbor, MI; Kevin(Derotha) Perkins of Upper Marlboro, MD; Valerie(Alvin) Jenkins of Cheltenham, MD; Libby Lipscomb of Alexandria, VA; Gerry(Paulette) Vaughn of Atlanta, GA; Perry Vaughn of Benton Harbor, MI; Adrienne Coleman of Benton Harbor, MI; Andre Vaughn of Atlanta, GA; and Tamika Hersey Birch of Grand Rapids, MI; one grandson, Ethan Alexander Vick, one granddaughter, Jazylean Johnson, and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, friends, and coworkers. Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and nephew Kevin Lynn II.
Public visitation will be held Friday, November 02, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ivy K Gillespie Memorial Chapel, 1865 Eastern Avenue SE. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, November 03, 2018 at Life Quest Ministries, 1050 Fisk Rd SE, at 12:00 PM. Friends may meet with the family a half hour prior to service, at 11:30 AM.
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