Richard Lyle Perry was born November 20, 1933, to Lyle and Erma (Christensen) Perry in Clemons, IA. Known as Dick growing up, he attended Clemons High School and enlisted in the United States Army following graduation. He very proudly served his country during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955, discharged at the rank of Corporal. He enjoyed his service guarding and moving the Atomic Annie cannon throughout Germany. Dick was united in marriage to Beverly Joan Ulery on June 16, 1956, at Minerva Wesley in Albion, IA and would later be blessed with two daughters. Dick worked as an air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration for several airports across the Midwest. His job took the family from Marshalltown to cities in MN, KS, and MO then back to Iowa where they made their long-time home in West Des Moines, IA in 1969. Dick and Joan returned to Marshalltown to retire in 1991.

His first and forever passion was airplanes and flying. He got his pilot's license just after being married and proudly owned his own plane for many years.

Dick loved music and played trombone in high school. He had a math and science-oriented mind and loved to learn. He had many talents, constantly taking on new hobbies. These included a neighborhood financial investment group and his motorcycle when they first moved to West Des Moines. He later took photography classes and became the family cameraman. He would buy cars at auction, tinker with them and refresh to resell. He was athletic, enjoying tennis, racket ball and of course his lifelong love of golf. And yes, he was a terrific golfer. Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing, billiards (for money!) and continued playing golf throughout retirement. Most of all, Dick cherished any and all time spent with family and friends. So many lives were blessed to have known such a kind, humble and selfless person. He will be missed by many, leaving his memory in our hearts and souls forever.

Dick is survived by his two daughters, Anne (Scott) Vandervelden and Laura (Randy) Adams, three grandchildren, Kody (Brooke) Christensen, Nick Adams, and Spencer Adams, and two great-granddaughters, Lainey and Lenora Christensen. He was also blessed with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Joan, and his siblings, Avery Perry, Geneva Ricci and Stanley Perry.

There are no words to truly express our gratitude for the respect, kindness, friendship and joy, the staff and resident family of the Marshalltown Veterans Home have shown Dick and his family all these years. We have been blessed by your grace. It is without a doubt, that Dick would want to close by saying “Thank You” one last time.