Ralph “Perk” Perkins Jr.

Ralph Perkins Jr. (Perk), longtime resident of Warsaw, passed away at his home on October 4th, 2025 after a valiant struggle with cancer. He was born July 11, 1947 in Floyd County, Kentucky to Ralph and Emma Jean (Layne) Perkins and graduated from Martin High School in 1965.

In 1966 he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During Basic Training, his exceptional rifle marksmanship and athletic ability, along with his natural ability to navigate wilderness environments led to his selection for United States Special Forces. After passing his assessment, he received Airborne, Ranger, Jungle Expert, and Recondo designations and was attached to the 5th Special Forces (Airborne) where among other clandestine duties, he helped instruct others in jungle reconnaissance and other counteroffensive tactics. After his time overseas he was attached to the 10th Special Forces (Airborne) at Fort Devens, Massachusetts where he received official recognition from his commanding officer for establishing the 10th Special Forces Basketball Team in 1968.

Perk returned to Warsaw in 1972 and married Kathy McGraw on December 22, 1974. He enjoyed hunting, trapping, playing softball and basketball, and after having children he volunteered as a youth baseball coach in Mentone for several summers. Together, he and Kathy enjoyed fishing, working in their garden, spending time with their family, and simply being outdoors.

He was a Quality Control Specialist at Zimmer, retiring after 36 years. After his retirement, you could find him building things in his workshop or relaxing outside by a fire. Above all, Perk loved his family deeply and especially cherished his grandchildren, who brought him great joy. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved making those around him laugh, and enjoyed telling stories about he and his friends creating playful mischief around his childhood home in Kentucky.

Like many who have served during periods of war he was not vocal about his overseas service. He would occasionally answer questions or comment on his experience with a candid terseness, yet he was outspoken and ferociously proud of being a veteran, especially a Green Beret. In the late 1980s he established the Warsaw Chapter of AMVETS, marched in local parades with other veterans, and was a proud Life Member of the Warsaw VFW.

Perk was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Toni Caudill. He's survived by his wife Kathy, sons Wes (Laura) Perkins and Kyle, and grandchildren Ethan, Ella and Gavin Perkins, and two cats that he “hated” but would not leave alone.  Perk is also survived by his brothers: John (Rhonda) Perkins, Kevin (Kelli) Perkins; brother-in-law, Don Caudill and sisters: Jackie (John) Driscoll, Donna (Glenn) Burkett and Lisa Chaplin, along with several nieces and nephews.  

Donations in memory of Ralph Perkins Jr. may be given to the Green Beret Foundation at https://greenberetfoundation.org/donate/

All friends and family are invited to an informal gathering in Warsaw at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 Sheridan St. Warsaw, Indiana on Friday, October 10th from 2 to 4pm. Formal military honors will follow at 4pm. To leave a condolence, please visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com