Dan Perky

Daniel Jefferson Perky, age 68, fondly known as “Dan,” passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2020 in Lexington, Tennessee. Dan is survived by his wife, Claire Perky of Lexington; a son, Jeff Perky (Sarah) of Nashville; a daughter, Betsy Kennedy (Brandon) of Thompson Station; a brother, Dave Perky (Teresa) of Overland Park, Kansas; four grandchildren, James Perky, Lee Perky, Coates Kennedy, and Case Kennedy; and beloved uncle to seven nephews and four nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jefferson and Joyce Perky. Dan was born in Kansas City, Missouri and attended Shawnee Mission East High school in Prairie Village, Kansas graduating in 1970. Dan received a BA degree from Vanderbilt University in 1974 and was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. While in Nashville, Dan met his wife, Claire, and they married in 1974. In 1976, Dan obtained his juris doctorate from the University of Memphis School of Law. After graduation from law school, Dan and Claire moved in Lexington, Tennessee in 1977 in order to raise a family and enjoy the blessings of a nurturing community. Dan began his practice in partnership at Martin & Perky, spent time serving as an Assistant District Attorney, and finally in private practice acting as a wise and trusted counselor. Dan was a servant of the Lord devoting his time and gifts as a member of First United Methodist Church in Lexington, Tennessee where he led a Sunday morning men’s group, served in the Upper Room Prayer Ministry and in many leadership positions. Dan saw God’s love in everyone. He devoted many years of service to the growth and sustainability of the Jamaica Ecumenical Mutual Mission which was so dear to him. He was a member of many community organizations – Gideon International, Rotary Club (awarded Rotarian of the Year), Henderson County Commission (County Commissioner), among many others. Dan travelled extensively in the U.S. and all over the world with wife and family in tow. He was an avid sports fan. He had a passion for thoroughbred racing and sharing his knowledge of handicapping the horses. He loved baseball, particularly the Kansas City Royals. He cheered hard for his Kansas City Chiefs as well, and, less assuredly, but, with equal enthusiasm for the Vanderbilt Commodores. However, there is nothing Dan cared for more than Claire, his wife of 46 years and the love of his life. He was a loving and devoted father and grandfather to his two children, Jeff and Betsy, and his four grandsons, James, Coates, Lee, and Case. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 2, 2020 at 11AM at the First United Methodist Church with burial to follow in the Beech River Cemetery. Visitation will be at Reeds Chapel on Wednesday 3PM-7PM. The family requests in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church Jamaica Mission Fund. Due to the COVID-19 situation the family has requested that all attendees wear a mask to the visitation and funeral and the service will be live streamed through the First United Methodist Church Facebook page.

Dan Perky

April 8, 1952 - June 28, 2020