Louis Perkins
William Louis Perkins, born August 19, 1946, passed away July 24, 2026, just shy of his 80th birthday, following complications of dementia.
Raised in Hornersville, Missouri, in the Bootheel, Louis grew up alongside his four siblings Linda, Mary, Ginger, and Keith, spending summers picking cotton, eating watermelon, and helping support his family. Though only 5’7”, he was a standout on the basketball court and also loved playing baseball. He always said he would be 2” taller if he wasn’t so bow-legged.
Encouraged by his supportive mother, Edna, Louis attended the University of Missouri, Columbia, earning a bachelor’s in economics in 1968. His career plans were put on hold when he chose to serve his country; enlisting in the United States Navy. From 1968 to 1972, Louis proudly served aboard the USS Ranger aircraft carrier, where he earned the rank of Aviation Fire Control Technician Second Class and repaired radar systems on A-7 attack aircraft. He treasured his time training in California and spoke with pride about his service. Despite spending four years in the Navy, he never did learn to swim.
Louis returned to the University of Missouri with the support of the GI Bill, and by 1975 graduated with a second bachelor’s in business administration and finance. During this chapter of his life, while balancing classes and a house-painting job with his brother, Keith, he met the love of his life, Benita (Edelman) Perkins. The two were married in 1975 and built a life together in St. Louis, rooted in love, hard work, and family.
Louis began his professional career as a State Bank Examiner before joining Southern Commercial Bank, where he advanced steadily over more than three decades, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President before retiring. Louis quickly realized he wasn’t the traditional retiring type, so he went back to work part-time with the Chesterfield Parks Department where he delighted in mowing ball fields, talking with visitors, and being part of the parks team.
Louis valued his banking career and earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike, but the role he cherished most was being a father to his son, Steve, for whom he would do almost anything. One of their proudest shared achievements was building a historic fence in Faust Park to help Steve earn his Eagle Scout rank.
An active and curious man, Louis found joy in the outdoors. He loved road biking with his buddies every Sunday, watching cardinals gather at the bird feeder in his backyard, and traveling to see forests, mountains, and lighthouses. Louis and Benita were avid theater supporters and loved attending live performances in St. Louis and New York.
From the moment they were born, nothing brought Louis greater happiness than spending time with his beloved grandchildren, Nathaniel and Flora. Whether meeting them for a hike, cheering from the sidelines at a soccer or basketball game, or sharing his crowd-pleasing BBQ ribs around the table, Louis enjoyed simply being together with them.
Louis will be remembered as a kind and honorable man with a strong moral compass, quiet humility, and an unwavering work ethic. He led by example rather than by words, treating others with respect, integrity, and generosity. He never sought recognition, yet earned the admiration of so many who knew him. Those whose lives he touched are better for having known him.
In a final act of selflessness, Louis donated his brain to the Washington University Memory and Aging Project to advance research toward a future cure for dementia. He will be memorialized at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Linden and Edna Perkins, and his sister, Ginger Perkins. He is survived by his devoted wife, Benita Perkins; his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Meridith Perkins; his cherished grandchildren, Nathaniel and Flora; his siblings, Linda, Mary, and Keith; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.
Service Details & Memorials
Family and friends will honor Louis on Wednesday, August 26, 2026:
Military Honors & Service: 1:30 PM at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery (St. Louis, MO).
Celebration of Life & Visitation: 2:15-4:00 PM (with a short program at 2:25) at The Pavilion at Lemay (St. Louis, MO).
In lieu of flowers, Louis requested that memorial donations be made to the Washington University Memory and Aging Project.
My husband, Jim Petty and I always admired Lou. He was a great person to work with. And he truly was down to earth. This was such a great tribute to Lou and was very well written. While we will not be able to attend our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He truly was a good man and will be missed by all.
Jean Petty
It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to Louis Perkins, a wonderful coworker, supervisor, and mentor.
Lou’s impact on my life and the lives of so many others cannot be overstated. When my family immigrated from Bosnia, Lou was the one who helped my dad secure his first car loan. But his kindness didn’t stop there. He listened to my dad’s suggestion to hire a Bosnian-speaking employee at the bank, and because Lou took a chance on me, my 30-year career in banking began.
Lou was a phenomenal listener who was always genuinely interested in the people around him. He was a tremendous asset to the bank, but more importantly, he was a deeply good person whom I cherished as a mentor and a friend. By getting involved in the Bosnian community and opening doors for people like me, he truly changed my life and lives of many others for the better.
Unfortunately, I will be out of the country and unable to attend the services to say my final goodbye in person. However, I want his family and friends to know how profoundly he touched my life. He will be so deeply missed, and his legacy of kindness and inclusion will always be remembered.