Arland Perkins
1936-2015
Arland Vincent Perkins, 78, died on April 29, 2015 after a brief battle with cancer.
He was born on May 24, 1936 in El Reno, Oklahoma and grew up in the Woodward/Oakwood area. He was preceded in death by his parents, Garland Bartlett Murray and Harry Vincent Perkins, his brothers Charles Larry Perkins and Jerry L. Stirman-Perkins and a daughter, Karen Diann Perkins-DuShane. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Frances Louise Becker Perkins. He is also survived by his siblings Wallace Wayne Perkins and Jerrie Lee of Fallon, NV, Patricia Ann McArthur and Gary Wayne of Great Bend, KS, Maria Dell Carlisle and Richard J. of Wichita, KS, and Glenda Jean Newby and Gary Lynn of Edmond, OK. His children are James Douglas Perkins and Barbara, Kathleen Denise Perkins Hannon and Paul and Felicia Dawn Perkins Koym and Mark, all of Edmond, OK. He also is survived by eight grandchildren: Ashlie Denise Edwards Nader and Christopher, Ryan Vincent Splawn, Evan Douglas Splawn and Heather, Jessica Lyn Newby Sandell and Taylor, Melissa Dawn Newby Hynd and Tyrel, Lacey Jane Wimberley, Savanah Rachel Koym and Kenneth Douglas Perkins plus six great grandchildren: John D. Splawn, Mason M. Nader, Kailey D. Nader, Kasen R. Sandell, Haylee B. Splawn and Callie D. Hynd.
Arland had an illustrious career with the United States Army from 1953 through 1973. He enlisted at the age of 17 and rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class and at age of 29 he was commissioned as a Warrant Officer. He served three overseas tours in Germany (7 years), one tour of duty (16 months) in Korea, and two tours of duty (24 months) with the 1 st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, Arland was awarded four Bronze stars, the Air Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He served as Personnel and Finance Officer both in the United States and abroad. He retired after 20 years of service as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 from Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Arland was employed by Northrop Aircraft Services, Inc. (NAWSI), Lawton, Oklahoma from 1976-1979 as an International recruiter for employment contracts in Iran and Saudi Arabia which allowed him to work directly with the Royal and Imperial Air Forces of these countries.
After his retirement, Arland had a long career in working with various cities in Oklahoma conducting labor relations, negotiations and interest arbitration. He was Personnel Director of the City of Edmond from 1979-1985. He also was interim Chief of Police in Del City, Edmond and Guthrie. He contracted with more than 40 cities as a personnel consultant in Oklahoma.
Arland has been the past Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for the Oklahoma Employer Advisory Council at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, a member of the International Association of City Managers, a member of the City Manager's Association of Oklahoma, and a past board member of the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group.
Service was very important to Arland. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 4938, Disabled American Veterans, National Association of Uniformed Services and the 1 st Air Cavalry Association, also a member of the American Legion.
His greatest accomplishments were his sixty years of marriage, his family, and his honorable and dedicated service to his country.
The family would like to thank Dr. Lara Theobald, Dr. Kiran Prabhu, the Integris Cancer Institute staff, as well the Integris Hospice of Oklahoma.
A memorial service will be held at Matthews Funeral Home Saturday May 2 at 5:00 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled at St. John the Baptist Catholic church on Wednesday May 6 at 10:00 a.m. followed by Military Honors at Gracelawn Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Johns Samaritan House http://stjohn-catholic.org/donate-now-parish .