Elmer W. Perkins ’45

Elmer W. Perkins, Jr, age 95, of St. Petersburg, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on December 2, 2021. He was born and raised in Maine. He attended Maine Maritime Academy and graduated in 1945. Elmer then married the love of his life, Katherine Parcher, and they spent 64 amazing years together before she passed in 2009. He served his country honorably in the Merchant Marines WWII. After working various jobs, Elmer served as Union President for the United Food and Commercial Worker Union in Tampa.
Upon their retirement, they traveled in their R.V. with their dog Friday. Some of their favorite places to visit included Alaska and Prince Edward’s Island in British Colombia. They were beloved grandparents to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Elmer was preceded in death by his soulmate, Katherine and his sister Carolyn Reichel of Maine. He is survived by his son Elmer W. (Carta) Perkins III of Gainesville; granddaughter Carey Ann (Charlie) Clark of Stanley, North Carolina; grandsons Kyle W. (Tina) Perkins of St. Petersburg and Brett Perkins of Gainesville; great-grandchildren Christopher, Casey, Kyle II, Clayton, and Brett Jr.; two great-great-grandsons and nieces Ann and Sue of Maine
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home at 2201 Dr. MLK Street North on Friday, December 10th, from 6:30-7pm and will be followed by a Celebration of Elmer’s Life at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Maine Maritime Academy in Elmer’s name. To view Elmer’s service, click here