Melvin "Mel" Perkins

ARIZONA CITY -— Melvin “Mel” Perkins, 73, died on Feb. 16, 2010 at Arizona Heart Hospital in Phoenix after a long illness.
At his request, family and friends will celebrate his life at the family home, 11165 W. Xavier Drive in Arizona City, on Tuesday from 2 to 4.
Mr. Perkins was born on April 15, 1936 in Humboldt, Kan., to Ted and Frances Perkins. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1954. On Oct. 1 of that year, he married Alma “Beth” King. He worked in a grocery store before being hired by Lehigh Cement Company, now La Farge. In 1971 the family moved to Metaline Falls, Wash. In 1973 he was transferred to Missoula, Mont., as terminal manager, and they lived there until his retirement in 1997.
He and Beth loved camping and RV’ing and they sold their home and hit the road. They traveled and then became permanent hosts at Charles Waters Campground in Montana before building a home in Arizona City. He loved woodworking and classic cars and was an avid model car collector. He enjoyed spending time with family, friends and his dogs. He had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh and enjoyed a good joke.
Besides his wife, survivors include three daughters, Connie Howell of Bozeman, Mont., Kay Pellant of Peoria, Ariz., and Vickie Knudson of Dixie, Wash.; a grandson; three granddaughters; and a great-granddaughter.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to: Friends of the Library, P.O. Box 118, Arizona City, AZ 85123.
J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.