Clarence "J.R." Perry

The family of Clarence William Perry, age 91, is saddened to announce the passing on June 3, 2022, at Copper Shores Village Assisted Living in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. J.R. was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born on January 26, 1931, and attended North High School in Des Moines. He married Coleen Roland on December 31, 1955, to which he was married to for almost 65 years, before she passed away.

He worked for Moehl Millwork for many years and retired from Moehl in 1994. J.R. served in the United States Army from November 18, 1952 to November 17, 1954. He was stationed at West Point and was a tank instructor for the Army at West Point in New York. That is where J.R. grew to love the New York Yankees. His love of the Yankees has been passed down to his two sons, daughters-in-law, some grandchildren and some great-grandchildren. Besides the Yankees, J.R. loved bowling and bowled in several leagues over the years. He loved going to the dog and horse races, the Iowa State Fair, watching just about any sport on T.V., and he loved camping. He loved to watch and follow car racing. Rusty Wallace was his favorite driver. J.R. was a member of the Elks Club in Pleasant Hill for many years. He was a clown for the Elks. He loved dressing up for local parades with the Elks and making children smile. He recently enjoyed bean bag baseball at The Shores where he lived. He also loved going to all of his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities, when he was able. He enjoyed spending time with and hearing stories about his 5 grandchildren and 13 very energetic and active great-grandchildren.

J.R. was not only welcomed into the house of our Lord on June third, but was also reunited with his beloved wife, Coleen in Heaven, who he incredibly missed and who had passed away in 2020. He is survived by and lovingly remembered by his sons, Dan (Nancy) Perry of Urbandale and Don (Deb) Perry of Urbandale; grandchildren, Laura (Landon) Peters, Grant (Tiffany) Perry, Luke (Amber) Perry, Amy Perry and Emily (Stephen) Englund; 13 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Dick (Ginny) Perry of California. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, two brothers and a sister. He will be forever missed by all of his family and friends. He may be gone in sight, but will never be gone from our hearts.

A private family, military graveside service will be held at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1 NE 60th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, June 9, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the VA Central Iowa Health Care System, Vol. Service 135, 3600 30th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50310.

The family would like to thank all of those people who have been so kind to J.R., especially since the passing of his wife.

Condolences may be expressed online at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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