William "Joe" Joseph Perry's Obituary
William “Joe” Joseph Perry, 71, passed away on October 4, 2023, at his home in Decatur, IL surrounded by his family.
Joe was born on December 17, 1951 in Decatur, IL the son of Donald and Isabelle Perry.
Joe is survived by his wife, Janet Perry of Decatur, IL; son, Kevin (Natalie) Perry of Bloomington, IL; sisters, Teresa Milburn of Portland, OR, Betsy Matters of Minneapolis, MN, Chris Perry of Washington, IN, Corrine (Mike) McClanahan of Cottonwood, AZ; grandchildren, Landon Perry, Everleigh Perry both of Bloomington, IL, and many extended family and friends. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Donald and Isabelle Perry of Decatur; sister, Mary Dianne Ford of Decatur; and infant sister, Anne Marie Perry of Decatur, IL.
Joe graduated from Stephen Decatur High School and attended college at Southern Illinois University. He married Janet Lee McLaughlin on May 22, 1976, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Decatur, IL. Joe was no stranger to hard work. He held a paper route as a boy and was a cook in high school. Joe had a rewarding 32-year career at Caterpillar where he graduated from the Apprentice Program as a Journeyman in machine repair and maintenance and repair. Later in his career at Caterpillar he was in management and training. He also taught classes at Richland Community College for Caterpillar.
Joe loved biking, traveling, and camping. Many camping trips with family over the years were enjoyed. Joe also had a passion for traveling and seeing new places with thousands of miles driven and flown to new and repeat locations. He was a handyman and there was nothing that he couldn’t fix. Anything from remodeling to working on cars. He loved to entertain in his home where many family dinners were celebrated with those he was closest to. Joe was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
Joe’s grandkids, Landon and Everliegh, were his whole world. He lit up when they were in his presence. Joe was loved by many, and he will be dearly missed.
Funeral Mass will be 10am, Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church; visitation will be an hour prior to the mass.
In Lieu of flowers Memorials can be made to Shriners Children's Hospital and St Jude’s Children's Hospital
Condolences and memories of Joe may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com
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