Edmund Dee Perry, 88, of Caldwell, Texas, departed this life on Monday, July 11, 2022, at his home surrounded by family.
A Rosary was held on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 4 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Caldwell, Texas, followed by a funeral Mass. Father Melvin Dornak and Deacon John Young officiated. Military honors were given in the pavilion following the Mass. A reception for all followed in the St. Mary’s Parish Hall.
Edmund Dee Perry was born on February 27, 1934, to James Thomas Perry and Mary Ann Brinkman Perry, in their home in Birdsong, Texas. He was one of twelve siblings.
Dee graduated high school -- the first of his family to do so, in 1952. He attended college in Austin for one year to study business. His firm belief in the value of education persisted throughout his life.
Dee met his future spouse, Anna Rose, in Caldwell, and they were married on October 25, 1956, in Caldwell, Texas. To this union came five children, Michael, Samuel, Andrew, Theresa, and John.
Anna Rose passed away in 2004, and Dee never remarried.
Dee loved his country beyond measure, and in 1954, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska, serving our nation until his honorable discharge in 1957.
He deeply valued the concepts of community and service, an appreciation reflected in a multitude of ways throughout his life. Dee was a founder of the Knights of Columbus Council #6366 and a Fourth-Degree-Knight; lifetime FFA member; Caldwell KJT Society #100 member; trustee, Caldwell Independent School District Board and Deanville Independent School Board, which were joined as one district under this administration; on the board of directors of the Burleson County Co-op for 34 years, from 1972-2006; member of the Deanville Water Co. Supply Board; and an active participant of The Saint Mary’s Rosary Society.
Dee worked at Alcoa for 30 years. He also grew and sold hay and operated a nursery with his wife who enjoyed nurturing and selling plants they grew in their greenhouse.
Though driven by a tremendous work ethic, he found his greatest joys in telling stories, playing dominoes or bingo, listening to polka music, and satisfying his infinite love of reading.
Anyone who knew Dee likely has their own favorite story of the hundreds (if not thousands) he loved to tell. It wasn’t just about the stories, which were peppered with multiple laughs before the hilarious concluding punch lines. It was also about the way Dee told his stories -- slowly, with joy, purpose, and suspense in every line and always prolonged by Dee’s own laughter. It didn’t matter if he had an audience of one, twenty, or a hundred, Dee delighted in the craft of his storytelling. When groups gathered ‘round to hear his tales, the “Dee Show” would commence, with everyone shouting out their requests for the next story he would tell. He was an entertainer to the end whose joy came from bringing joy to others.
Dee was a man of tremendous, but quiet generosity. His left hand knew not what his right hand was doing. He was a devout man -- a faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s for 67 years -- and someone who found truth and peace in prayer, particularly the Rosary. His family is grateful for his life and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. We are grateful for the sure hope of resurrection from the dead through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and are greatly looking forward to seeing him in Heaven.
He is preceded in death by his wife Anna Rose Perry, mother, Mary Ann Brinkman Perry; father, James Thomas Perry; brothers, James, Clyde, John, and Hayes; and sisters Margie, Herminia, Mary Jane, and Viola.
Dee is survived by son Michael Perry and wife Georgia of Caldwell, Texas; son Samuel Perry and wife Pam of Caldwell, Texas; son Andrew Perry and wife Shirley of Caldwell, Texas; daughter Theresa Brasuell and husband Johnny of Wolfforth, Texas; son John Perry and wife Sara of Davie, Florida; 15 grandchildren; and 16 greatgrandchildren. Surviving siblings are Alma Perry Turner, Daniel Perry, and Gerald Perry. Pallbearers were Adam,
Gregory, Devin, Nathan, James, Jaret, Everard, and Caleb. Honorary Pallbearers were Vance McManus, Edward Muzny, Bob Towslee, and Gene Barber.
The family wishes to thank Allumine Hospice for their unwavering devotion and assistance in his time of need. Special thanks to Josh & Miranda Stoneman, his granddaughter, and Alyssa Conroy.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.
Express condolences at PhillipsandLuckey.com.