Bill E. Perkins

Billy “Bill” E. Perkins, 91, a lifelong resident of rural Howard, KS, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at his home. Bill was born on July 11, 1934, the son of Earl and Emma Bernadine (Moore) Perkins. Growing up, Bill attended Union Center School, often riding his horse to the one room schoolhouse. He was a charter member of the Flint Hill Boosters 4-H Club. He would graduate from Howard High School in 1952. While in high school, Bill loved playing football, which became a passion for him to watch and attend games throughout his life. As a student at Kansas State College, Bill was in Army ROTC and Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Part of Bill’s K-State experience was his adventure as an International Foreign Youth Exchange student, traveling to Argentina and living on a cattle ranch. Bill graduated from Kansas State with his bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry in 1958. After college he returned to the family ranch near Howard and served in the US Army Reserves. Over his lifetime, Bill would operate a cow/calf operation with his father and brother, then later with his daughter and nephews. He was devoted to the stewardship of the land and the stockmanship of the herd. On June 14, 1959, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Ramona Sue Tucker. Bill and Susie’s marriage spanned over 65 years, working side by side on their ranch until her death on October 19, 2024. Ranching was Bill’s life, with a devotion to God, his wife Susie, and his family. Bill was not all work and no play; he enjoyed square dancing, playing bridge, and snow and water skiing. He rarely missed school and 4-H activities and sporting events of his children and grandchildren. Bill and Susie held K-State season football tickets for many years and enjoyed traveling to bowl games. He was involved in his community as a member of Howard Methodist Church, Howard Rotary, and was the current President of Watershed District #47. Bill is survived by: Daughter: Kate Perkins and husband David Whetstone of Howard, KS Grandchildren: Tim Whetstone and wife Mackenzie Hannah Whetstone Sister-In-Law: Shelby Perkins Three Nephews: Rick (Susan), Patrick (Julie), and Phillip Perkins Bill was preceded in death by his parents, wife Susie, a son Timothy, a sister Betty Joan Perkins, a brother Don Perkins. Cremation has been requested with a Memorial Celebration of Life to be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Howard Methodist Church. The family suggests in Bill’s memory you dress in boots, jeans and K-State purple. Memorials have been suggested to the Tim Perkins Memorial Scholarship via the Elk County Community Foundation and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com. Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home 206 E. Washington, P.O. Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349

Bill E. Perkins

July 11, 1934 - January 7, 2026