Robert "Bobby" Perkins

Some people come into our lives and we are never the same. For those who knew and loved Bobby Perkins, they are left with memories of his endless smile and great sense of humor that brought smiles and laughter to those around him. Bobby had a wonderful, positive outlook on life despite his disability. He never allowed it to get the best of him, and with faith as his guide, he enjoyed life to the fullest. Born Robert Lee Perkins on May 17, 1977 in the shoreline city of Muskegon, Michigan, Bobby was the son of Robert A. and Linda (Koone) Perkins. It was during this time when the American culture began to quickly evolve as the first Apple computer went on sale, and the debut of Star Wars took the world by storm. The World Trade Center in New York City was completed only to be desecrated years later in one of the most tragic events in American history. Yet groups like Fleetwood Mac and the Bee Gees were at the top of the charts, but Debby Boone was breaking records with her uplifting hit, You Light Up My Life. While his father supported their family working at Shaw Walker, Bobby's mother remained at home with him as a homemaker. The only child of his parents, Bobby did have a half sister, Irma. The Perkins made their home on Division Street where Bobby experienced a typical childhood playing with neighborhood friends. He attended Nims Elementary School until later when his family moved to the North side of Muskegon to a home off East River Road. There he attended the Holton area schools. Growing up, Bobby and his family enjoyed camping, especially at Shaw's Park in Newaygo and various other campgrounds. He and his father enjoyed fishing together for trout in nearby creeks. They also had great times taking their fishing boat to South Haven out on Lake Michigan to fish for perch. At the age of 14, Bobby was diagnosed with AVM, Arteriovenus Malformation which in Bobby's case caused problems with the blood vessels in his brain. He underwent treatments to alleviate some of the symptoms the disease brought on, and for a time they were very successful. Bobby experienced his share of mischief and could get a little crazy with his buddies now and then. They liked going "bumper skiing" by hanging on to a car's bumper while it raced around in snowy parking lots. Eventually, Bobby began attending M-Tec and alternative high school in Muskegon where he earned his GED. In Bobby's home, faith was the foundation for which his family lived. During his youth, Bobby was an active participant in the youth group at Dalton Baptist Church. While at a party at church, he met Kelly Kniffel. They would be blessed with the birth of a daughter, Crystal. He loved Crystal dearly, but sadly didn't get to spend nearly as much time with her as he would have liked. He later went on to have a relationship with Jennifer Pease, and together they shared the birth of Bobby's second daughter, Gabriell. Like Crystal, he unfortunately didn't get the opportunity to see her very often, as well. Bobby worked for A Electric installing wiring in lift trucks. He later landed a job working for Alcoa in Fruitport. Things were going pretty well for Bobby until his mid twenties when he began experiencing more issues with AVM, including brain bleeds. After undergoing some intense radiation treatments, Bobby was left with some paralysis on the right side of his body. For the following three months, Bobby underwent numerous treatments and rehabilitation at Hackley Hospital. Once released from the hospital, Bobby was no longer able to work or live on his own. He went on disability, and began living with his parents so they could care for him. Even so, Bobby's uplifting nature and positive demeanor saw each of them through these days. Bobby continued doing the things he enjoyed to the best of his ability. He really liked motorcycles, and although he was never able to ride one, he liked going to Bike Time in downtown Muskegon, the Blessing of the Bikes, and any motorcycle event for that matter. One year his dad took him to Indiana to see the Indianapolis 400 and they had a great time together. He also made a trip to Cedar Point with his friend Bill. Bobby liked playing Texas Holdem and enjoyed occasional trips to the Little River Casino. Hiking was another pastime he enjoyed. An advocate for those with disabilities, Bobby was involved with, No More Sidelines, an organization that ensures disabled kids have the opportunity to participate in sports. They even used to call Bobby, "the oldest kid!" He would hit the baseball, and then have someone else run the bases. Bobby even won awards for his participation with the organization. Among his other interests, Bobby had a cat named PeeWee, and a nine foot "pet" boa constrictor named Goliath. Ever present in Bobby's life was his quiet faith. He faithfully attended River of Life Fellowship Church in Twin Lake with his parents, and came to have a very special bond with Pastor Donnie there. Bobby's great sense of humor was a joy for everyone who shared his company. He was an endless jokester, and liked picking on his younger cousins and other family members. Even though Bobby was disabled for most of his life, he made an impact on others with ways all his own. Always upbeat with a never ending smile on his face, he never let his disability get him down. When talking on the phone, Bobby was sure to end his conversations with, You Have a Blessed Day. This past December, Bobby's health took a turn for the worse. Even though the doctors did their all, nothing more could be done to help Bobby. May his smile and humorous ways be a gentle reminder of Bobby's life and love as he is deeply missed. Mr. Robert "Bobby" Lee Perkins, loving father and son, age 37, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2015. SURVIVORS: Daughters, Crystal Udel-Perkins, Gabriell Pease, and Jamie Tice; parents, Robert A. & Linda (Koone) Perkins; special aunt, Teresa Wabsis and uncle, Todd Koone; several other aunts, uncles and cousins. SERVICE: Thursday, April 2, 2015, 11:00 am at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with visitation one hour prior to the service and Rev. Don Benedict officiating. Interment in East Dalton Oakhill Cemetery. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.