C.N. Perry, Jr.

C. N. Perry, Jr., known as “Perry”, 90, recently of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away on December 1, 2013 at Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Medical Center, Topeka, Kansas. The family will hold private services in Colorado, where he was born and lived most of his life. Perry was born November 25, 1923 in Edgewater, Colorado, the son of Clarence Newell Sr. and Louise Perry. Perry grew up in Edgewater and Minturn, Colorado. He worked and lived in Grand Junction, Colorado. He and his wife Joan retired to Sun Lakes, Arizona, and most recently lived in Ottawa, Kansas to be near his daughter Jackie. Perry graduated from Minturn High School where he played football in the days when the equipment consisted of leather helmets. He also played basketball and was an All-County forward in Summit County. He later received training as a journeyman electrician. He worked for Kendall Electric Company, Grand Junction, Colorado, where he became Vice-President of the company. During his career, he was involved in many major electrical projects throughout Colorado. Perry served during World War II in the United States Navy in the medic core in the Philippines. He was awarded a Purple Heart. Perry was united in marriage with Joan in Santa Clara, California, in a double ceremony with Joan’s brother, Duane McIntire, and Lois Smith. Perry and Joan would have celebrated 70 years of marriage on December 20, 2013. Joan continues to reside in Ottawa, Kansas. He is survived by son, Michael D. Perry and his wife, Ronda Perry, of Fort Collins, Colorado and daughter, Jackie Lee Steelman and her husband, John Steelman, of Ottawa, Kansas. He has five grandchildren: Bree Perry Roon, Denver, Colorado; Kristen Perry, Denver, Colorado; Cole Perry, Fort Collins, Colorado; Luke Jonathan Perry Steelman, Kansas City, Missouri; and Shane Kenneth Steelman, Manhattan, Kansas. He has two great-grandchildren and 16 nieces and nephews. His sister, Charlotte Bradbury, resides in Denver, Colorado, and he was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bill. He was a member of the Knife and Fork Club and the Bows and Boots Square Dancing Club in Grand Junction, for many years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Grand Junction, Colorado, and the Sun Lakes Community Church, Sun Lakes, Arizona, where he served on many boards and taught Sunday school. Perry’s family was his constant joy and in his last days he was able to see his great grandchildren via Facetime over the internet and kissed the screen to say goodbye. He loved the Colorado Mountains and helped build many major resorts. He loved the Denver Broncos, trout fishing, and dancing. Throughout the years, Perry never missed an opportunity to open a door for his beloved wife, Joan. An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.