July 25, 1926 - January 18, 2024
Donald J. Perry of Loveland, CO, passed away on January 18, 2024, at age 97. Don was born in Logan, KS on July 25, 1926 to Elmer and Evelyn Perry. The family moved to the Willamette Valley, OR in 1933 to escape the ravaging effects of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. Don dropped out of school in the 8th grade to work in the logging and sawmill industry. In 1942, at age 16, he was welding pipe at the Oregon Shipbuilding Corp. in Portland, constructing Liberty Ships for the war effort.
Don proudly served in the U. S. Navy aboard the USS Petrof Bay during World War II as a Petty Officer Second Class in ship maintenance and damage control. He was awarded six battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation.
Following the war, Don earned his GED, Bachelor’s from the University of Denver and Master’s in Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling from UNC in Greeley. Don worked for the Colorado Department of Rehabilitation for 29 years as a supervising rehab counselor. He served his community as an advocate for special needs workers and the importance of higher education. Don earned a National Counselor of the year award and in 1970, was appointed to serve on the Governor’s Committee for Employment of the Handicapped.
Don married his soulmate, Edna Weiss, on Oct. 16, 1949. They were blessed with three sons: Jim, Gregg and Doug. Don and Edna enjoyed traveling, and highlights were Europe and the Oregon Coast. They were charter members of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Loveland.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Edna, and sons Jim and Doug. He is survived by Gregg Perry of Loveland, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
A private family memorial is being planned for a later date.
