Randy Perkins

Randy Perkins, longtime area farmer, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was 83. The Rosary will be recited at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Colfax on Friday, October 27th, at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Palouse. A gathering for lunch will be at the Federated Church following the graveside. For those who wish, viewing will be Thursday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Corbeill Funeral Home in Colfax.

Randy was born May 1, 1940, in Potlatch, Idaho to Richard and Sylvia Decker Perkins. He grew up in Palouse, Washington, where he graduated from high school in 1958. Randy attended Washington State College where he completed a speech degree in 1962. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam era. Randy saw duty overseas in Germany from 1963-1964 where he served as a transportation supply officer. Upon his honorable discharge he returned home to Palouse and began farming. He met Patricia Cammack in Palouse and they were married June 18, 1971, in Twin Falls, Idaho. Together they farmed and made their home along Highway 272 between Palouse and Colfax. Randy and Pat raised their large family on the farm. They enjoyed many fun family times at both Priest Lake and Coeur d’Alene Lake over the years. Randy enjoyed boating and water skiing. He loved to read and he liked ships of all shapes and sizes. In later years he really enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Randy and Pat retired from their farm in 1996 and moved into Garfield. He drove school bus for many years and continuing into retirement he worked in the bus garages in both Colfax and Palouse for several years.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pat, at their home in Garfield; his children; Brett Perkins, Leigh Ford, Robert Kirsch, Christina Watkins, Melinda Harrington, Kimber Kirsch, and Joseph Perkins; by 17 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren all of whom he was so proud; and by his sister, Michelle Owens. Randy was preceded in death by a son, Benjamin Perkins.

The family suggests memorial gifts in his memory be to the Benjamin Perkins Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Banner Bank in Pullman or to a favorite charity. On-line guest book is available at http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com

Corbeill Funeral Home in Colfax is caring for the family.