Obituaries

Lt. Colonel Harold John Perry

Photo of Lt. Colonel Harold John Perry
Lt. Colonel Harold John Perry, 91, died peacefully surrounded by family at the VA Hospital in Fayetteville, Ark., on Dec. 20, 2014. He was a combat veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded two Bronze Stars (Korea/Vietnam), two Air Medals (Vietnam) and earned the Combat Infantry Badge, among other awards and citations. Col. Perry was born on July 1, 1923, in Webster, Mass., to Harry and Anastasia Perry. On Feb. 16, 1943, he was conscripted into the Army. He served in Europe and the Philippines during World War II and in 1945 married Marcella McMann. He was discharged into the private sector in 1946 and received a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas. He was commissioned prior to his deployment to Korea in 1951, where he served two combat tours earning his first bronze star. He was later assigned to NATO Headquarters in Europe as an attache. He then served in Vietnam, most notably at the battle of Dak To, where we was awarded his second bronze star. In 1969 he completed his military career as the commander of Army recruiting for the State of Arkansas. After retiring Col. Perry served as principal, teacher, and athletics coach at Saint Joseph's School. During this time he was a member of the Men's Club, Knights of Columbus and the School Board. He then taught American History at Farmington Jr. High for 15 years. In addition, he started and instructed the Fife Drum and Bugle Corp at Farmington. After the death of his first wife in 1998, he was blessed to marry Elizabeth McClure Brooks in 2006. Col. Perry spent much of his time during retirement volunteering in charitable, fraternal and religious organizations. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elk's for over sixty years where he held offices as District Deputy, Exalted Ruler and Secretary. He was also very involved in the Shriners, the Knights of Columbus and the Masons. Col. Perry traveled in a swing band in the early 1940s, was an avid golfer, a great storyteller, and had a very special place in his heart for helping children. He was a cherished and beloved husband, father and grandfather; and well regarded by his students, fraternal brothers, and associates. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Anastasia Perry; his wives, Marcella Perry and Elizabeth McClure Brooks; and his sisters, Rita and Charlotte Perry. He is survived by his children, Harold Perry Jr. and wife Andi; Harry Perry and wife Michelle; Sarah Webb and husband Gary; stepdaughter Evelyn Brooks; and grandchildren Katrina Perry, Clifton Burdette and wife Robyn; Rebecca Perry, Taylor Perry, Rachel Perry, Harold Perry; Elizabeth Rose and husband Cal; McClure Brooks-Tolley, Maison Brooks-Tolley, and Max Brooks-Tolley. Visitation is scheduled Monday, December 29 at 4:30 pm at Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville, Arkansas; a rosary will precede visitation at 4pm. Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Fayetteville at 11 am, followed by graveside services at St. Joseph's Cemetery and a reception at the church. Pallbearers will be Harold's brothers in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph's Catholic School, 1722 North Starr Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72701. To sign the online guestbook visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com

Published December 27, 2014

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