Ronald G. Perkins

Ronald G. Perkins, my dear sweet husband, died Thursday February 28, 2019 at 6:30 PM in Urbana, IL.

Ronald was born in Danville, IL on January 8, 1946, one of the first baby boomers, the only child of Donald E. and Mary (Tuggle) Perkins. He grew up in Rossville, IL and graduated from Rossville High School in 1965. He attended Danville Jr College and Western Illinois University.

Ronald headed west in 1969 and lived like a King, A Pauper, and everyones best friend. He obtained a job with Amtrak and rode the rails on long haul passenger trains his entire career as a Chief OBS or bartender.

He met his wife Betsy in 1962 and then again in 1992, they were married in March of 1993. He inherited 4 children, a two-month-old grandson, two sisters, a brother, another mom and dad, numerous nieces and nephews all with open arms, heart and wallet. Never was there a more loving, forgiving and generous man.

Ronald is survived by his son, Michael (Mosita) Downing of Maui, HI, his three girls, Shannon (Craig) Kmett of Springfield, IL, Kerri (Brian) Flader and Amy (Aaron) Starr both of Phoenix, AZ, eight grandchildren, Mika and Alba Downing, Blake Wagner, Emilee and Parker Kmett, Karlie, Chloe and Bree Flader and one very special great grandson, Maverick, two sisters, Kathy (Bill) Thoma, Sue Capasso Poore and brother Jim (Charna) Doan, numerous cousins and his beloved dog Hendrix. He also leaves behind a myriad of friends, neighbors, coworkers, and drinking buddies who affectionately referred to him as "Petey".

Ronald retired from Amtrak in 2008 and then took a bartender job at the I&I Stateline Tavern, retiring again several years later. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church 824 East Main Street Danville, IL. Pastor Kent Tibben will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2019 from 3-7:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834.

Memorials may be made in Ronalds memory to Trinity Lutheran Church or Danville Lutheran Schools.

Please join Ronalds family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com