Stephen E. Perry

Stephen E. Perry, 78 of rural Virginia, died Monday, April 15, 2024 at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

He was born July 2, 1945 in Beardstown, the son of Verlin and Verna Wells Perry.

He is survived by the mother of his children Carole Brannan of Bluff Springs; one son Greg Perry of Virginia; a granddaughter Jessica (husband Dan) Herter of Concord; two great-grandchildren Collin and Owen "Chip" Herter; a sister Val (husband Clint) Brewer of Beardstown; a brother Butch Perry of Marissa, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Stephen Scott Perry, a sister Linda Colver, and a nephew Nathan Ryan.

Stephen graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1963 and then honorably served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War until 1967. Upon his return to Beardstown, Stephen began a career with Oscar Mayer in Beardstown and retiring with Cargil in 2007. Stephen enjoyed watching TV and movies, listening to music, tending to his vegetable garden, and shooting and working on his firearms. He took pride in expanding his knowledge about the Civil War and World War II.

Cremation rites have been accorded and private family burial will be held in Oetgen Cemetery in rural Beardstown. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to the charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.