June 21, 2024

Sir Knight Mark D. Perkins., age 55, died Thursday, June 13, 2024, in Bartlett, TN. Surrounded by his youngest children and close friends, Mark collapsed while warming up at his regular Thursday night adult karate class at the dojo and never regained consciousness.

Mark was born September 7, 1968, in Walla Walla, WA to James and Lucielle Perkins. Mark lived from 1978 – 81 and 1982 – 84, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Returning to Walla Walla to graduate from DeSales High School, class of 1987. Mark married Shelley (Saranto) in 1989. He entered the US Army that same year where he learned everything necessary for life. Mark was a Chinook Helicopter and Production Clerk, his last duty station at Ft. Campbell, KY.

Mark graduated from Gonzaga University with a BA in Criminal Justice. He worked briefly as a police officer for the Colville Confederated Tribes. In 1999 he moved his family to Touchet and worked as a contractor for the US Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla, WA.

Mark was an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor, 4-H Rifle and Pistol Instructor and president of the Touchet Gun Club. Mark was very active in the Friends of NRA Walla Walla Chapter serving as chairman at the local and state level. He enjoyed sharing his love of shooting sports with friends and family. He was a lifetime member of the NRA.

A devout Catholic, Mark was a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus in Memphis.  Mark’s children and grandchildren were his heart and soul. He raised them with a deep love of the Catholic Faith.

In 2021 Mark brought his family to Memphis, TN. He became the IT Operations Officer for the US Army Corps of Engineers Finance Center in Millington; TN. Mark loved the mid-south! Upon arriving he and his four youngest children started training at USA Karate. Just recently all had passed the physical test for their black belts. Mark was funny, exacting, cheerful, generous, always had a kind word, a helping hand, and never forgot a friend.

Mark is survived by his wife of 35 years, Shelley; sons Adam & James Perkins and daughters Kalin and Mary Perkins at home in Cordova, TN; daughter Charlie Marie & her husband Colton Mohrland of Munford, TN; and daughter Lucielle & her husband Mathew Blalack of Cordova, TN; brothers James Perkins and wife Penny of Colville, WA; Peter Perkins and Rick Yang of Tucson, AZ; Andrew Perkins and wife Rachel of Ellensburg, WA; sister-in-law Cathy Perkins and sisters Mary Perkins and Helen Perkins both of Woodburn, OR; six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The visitation and Rosary will be held at Canale Funeral Home, 2700 Union Avenue Extended, Memphis, Wednesday, June 26th at 4:40-6:30 with the Rosary at 6:30 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, June 27th at St. Francis Catholic Church, 8151 Chimney Rock Blvd., Cordova, TN 38016. Viewing will be at 9:30 am, Mass at 10:30 am with a luncheon to follow.

Mark will be interred at the West Tennessee State Veteran’s Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill/Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125 on Friday, June 28th at 11am. Memorial contributions may be made at OurRescue.org.