Richard E. Perkins

“Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.” — Proverbs 17:6

Richard Earl Perkins, 86, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, peacefully crossed into eternal life on Monday, March 16, 2026, surrounded by his family as “Victory in Jesus” softly played in the background.

Richard was born on October 3, 1939, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the sixth child of Pollie and Claude Perkins. The Perkins family made their home in Sharonville, Ohio, where his father, Claude, was a World War I veteran, served as part-time mayor of Sharonville, and worked for the New York Central Railroad.

Richard—known as “Richie” to family and friends—spent his early years under the devoted care of his mother after his father was tragically killed in a railroad accident on April 1, 1943.

Resilient, determined, and engaging, Richard distinguished himself as a young man. He was co-captain of his high school football team, homecoming king, and a class officer. Following graduation, he continued a family tradition of service by joining the United States Air Force, where he served from 1957 to 1962.

In 1961, he met Norma Jean Wesley, and within four months they were married on September 23, 1961. Just days later, he was recalled to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis—an early example of the unexpected turns that would mark a life lived with steady faith and a call to serve.

After completing his military service, Richard built a career in the public utilities field, working for Cincinnati Gas and Electric, the City of Hamilton, Rural Electric Cooperative, and General Electric, which ultimately brought him to Baton Rouge in 1981.

Always ready to serve, he also volunteered for several years with the Sharonville Fire Department.

While his work provided for his family, what ultimately defined Richard was his love for God and his devotion to his family. In 1968, he and his wife were led into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through Pastor Albert Cook of Grace Bible Presbyterian Church—a turning point that transformed his life. From that day forward, faith and family became his foundation. He faithfully served in many roles over the years, including janitor, youth leader, deacon, song director, Sunday School leader, teacher, and elder.

He deeply loved his wife of 64 years, especially cherishing her faithful care for him in recent years as he faced significant health challenges. He prayed fervently for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Pollie and Claude Perkins, and his siblings: Robert Perkins, Grace McKinney, Gladys Steube, Margie Jones and Ruth Perkins.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Perkins; his children, Tony Perkins, Bill Perkins, Kathy Foreman, and Becky Perkins; daughters-in-law, Lawana Lee Perkins and Chris Nadin Perkins; grandchildren, Kendal Perkins, Rachel Perkins, Wesley Ann Foreman, David Perkins, Grayson Foreman, Grace Perkins, and Samuel Perkins; and great-grandchildren, Hudson Perkins and Emma Grace Perkins, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was a devoted husband, loving father, and faithful friend. He enjoyed life, laughed often, and was always ready to sit down with a cup of coffee and listen.

He will be greatly missed, but he leaves a legacy to celebrate and an example to follow.

We love you, Paw Paw.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Celebration Service at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Family Research Council's Faith & Freedom Chapel, 10925 Florida Boulevard in Baton Rouge. A Visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Family Research Council in memory of Richard Perkins at frc.org/memory.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com