Bill E. Perkins' Obituary
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
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