The van was packed, and we were ready to head back south to Florida after spending the Christmas holidays with our families in Cape Girardeau. Wife Lila got the word that Sis-in-Law Dee Perry was getting ready to add to the John Perry family.
She said “Florida can wait.”
Only after William “Wyatt” Perry arrived on December 29, 1993, could the wheels start turning.
The visit every parent fears
John said that when he looked out the door and saw the coroner standing there that it was going to be bad news. Wyatt had been killed in the pre-dawn hours in a car crash. He was 26.
Wyatt’s obituary
William Wyatt Perry of Cape Girardeau died Monday, March 16. He was 26. Wyatt was born in Cape Girardeau on December 29, 1993. He was raised in Jackson and graduated from Jackson High School. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps where he received an honorable discharge.
Wyatt was the baby of the family and with that came the privilege of having many nicknames. He was lovingly known as Wyatt Earp, Gah-wy, Prince Harry and Bjorn Ironsides. Though a man of many names, be was also a man of few words. He was kind, compassionate and had an amazing smile and laugh.
He was serious and silly, and kids adored him. He was always the “cool” uncle. His joy in life was spending time with his family and riding his Harley. His leading lady was his Australian Shepherd Hot Mess Bess.
Wyatt is lovingly survived by his parents John and Dee Perry, Grandmother Fern (Maw) Douglas, brothers Drew and John David Perry and his sister Laurie (Rocky) Everett, all of Cape Girardeau. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews Madison and Gavin Perry, Fletcher Everett, Ashlynn Perry as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. He wi1l be greatly missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents D.L.(Paw) Douglas Jr., William G. Perry and Lucille Perry.
Memorial visitation will be held Saturday, March 21 at 11 :00 AM until service time at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.
Memorial service will follow at the funeral home at 1:00 pm.
In memory of Wyatt and in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post 3838. 1049 N. Kingshighway Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.
Remembering Wyatt
We were usually 1,100 miles away from Cape, but we still managed to snap a lot of photos of young Wyatt. Click on any photo in the gallery to make it larger, then use the arrows on the left and right side to move to other photos.
Wyatt sounds like a wonderful guy who will be missed by many.
my sympathy to your family, Ken. sincerely, Mary (Lewis) Schaefer
I never met Wyatt but I learned about him through his loving mother while he was in Marine boot – I know from all her messages that he was very loved by his family and he will be missed for sure. I pray his family can find comfort during this time of great loss. I send my love to Dee and John <3
Prayers for Wyatt’s family.
What a sweet tribute to a remarkable young man. The fear of all parents and grandparents. Thank you for your story, Ken and Lila.
Wonderful tribute, Ken. Prayers for all of you as you transition to a “new” normal in your lives. Memories will keep Wyatt in your lives forever. Remember the fun times and laugh often.
Dee and John.
The pictures say a thousand words about the fine young man Wyatt was. I am grateful to be able to see what you have seen. No words can take away your pain, but I hope you find strength and comfort from those of us who love you.
Love,
Nancy Tipps
My heart hurts for all of you! There are no words to take the pain away. Heavenly father give this family, especially his mother & father peace, hope, strength knowing someday they will meet again✝️
In Jesus name, Amen
I grew up with Wyatt. He always made me smile and laugh. We played foot all and baseball together growing up. I always have had great respect for him. Rest In Peace brother.
So sorry for your loss. Your words describe a very kind and much loved young man who will be missed.