Obituary for Joel A. Perkins
Mr. Joel Alfred Perkins, age 55, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Monday, September 14, 2020, at SSM Health St. Mary’s with family near him.
Joel was born on October 18, 1964, in Jefferson City, the son of Lester Marvin and Lola Lee (Davis) Perkins. He was married on March 16, 1985, in Jefferson City to Brenda Gail Shewmaker.
A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Joel was a 1983 graduate of Jefferson City High School. After graduation, Joel continued his education to meet all the requirements to become a sheet metal worker.
Joel possessed a strong work ethic and passion for anything he put his mind to. He started his career working for the Union as a sheet metal worker with Local 36. He later worked for Furniture Showrooms by JC Mattress Factory as a furniture salesman. Joel was extremely good with his hands, and he took classes to excel his skills as a furniture repairman, working with both wood and leather for the company.
A man of strong faith, Joel was a member of First Assembly of God in Jefferson City, where his twin brother Lowell is Pastor. Joel loved being in his church, worshiping with his family and friends. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all of his being, which was reflected in his words and actions every day. Joel was very involved with the church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, Youth Group sponsor, worship leader, and serving as the Church Moving Ministry leader. During his time leading this ministry, he moved more than 100 families.
Joel was extremely talented and a jack of all trades. He was the fixer in the family, and if anything was broken, Joel knew how to fix it. He was an exceptional artist and was very creative. His passion was oil painting. He created beautiful, realistic works of art. Joel enjoyed treasure hunting at antique and thrift stores. He took his granddaughter Lucy on many adventures. They especially enjoyed going to the park and the mall. Joel was passionate and encouraging. He often encouraged people with scriptures and spreading the love of Jesus Christ. He was a bright light to all who knew him. Most of all, Joel loved his family, and he enjoyed taking them to all of his favorite nature spots in the Smoky Mountains.
Joel was the perfect example of what a husband and father should be. He was adored by his wife and children. He will be most remembered for the joy and laughter he brought to every event, his crazy jokes, his constant support and encouragement, his servant heart, and the love he had for people who were less fortunate.
Survivors include: his loving wife of 35 years, Brenda Perkins; two children, Adrienne Johnson (husband, Billy) of Jefferson City, Mo. and Jordan Perkins (wife, Sarah) of Ashland, Mo.; parents, Lester and Lola Perkins of Holts Summit, Mo.; his twin brother, Lowell Perkins of Jefferson City, Mo.; two brothers, David Perkins (wife, Brenda) of Holts Summit, Mo. and Nathan Perkins (wife, Sally) of Springfield, Mo.; one sister, Lisa Luebbert (husband, Doug) of Holts Summit, Mo.; two grandchildren, Lucy Johnson and Henry Perkins; his mother-in-law, Joan Burnett of Stover, Mo.; several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Joel was preceded in death by his grandparents; an infant brother and an infant sister.
A private memorial service will be livestreamed at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2020, at First Assembly of God with Pastor Lowell Perkins officiating. Extended family and friends may watch by going to First Assembly of God’s website at www.firstassembly.org and clicking “watch live.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First Assembly of God Missions Program.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison Street, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101.
Joel was born on October 18, 1964, in Jefferson City, the son of Lester Marvin and Lola Lee (Davis) Perkins. He was married on March 16, 1985, in Jefferson City to Brenda Gail Shewmaker.
A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Joel was a 1983 graduate of Jefferson City High School. After graduation, Joel continued his education to meet all the requirements to become a sheet metal worker.
Joel possessed a strong work ethic and passion for anything he put his mind to. He started his career working for the Union as a sheet metal worker with Local 36. He later worked for Furniture Showrooms by JC Mattress Factory as a furniture salesman. Joel was extremely good with his hands, and he took classes to excel his skills as a furniture repairman, working with both wood and leather for the company.
A man of strong faith, Joel was a member of First Assembly of God in Jefferson City, where his twin brother Lowell is Pastor. Joel loved being in his church, worshiping with his family and friends. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all of his being, which was reflected in his words and actions every day. Joel was very involved with the church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, Youth Group sponsor, worship leader, and serving as the Church Moving Ministry leader. During his time leading this ministry, he moved more than 100 families.
Joel was extremely talented and a jack of all trades. He was the fixer in the family, and if anything was broken, Joel knew how to fix it. He was an exceptional artist and was very creative. His passion was oil painting. He created beautiful, realistic works of art. Joel enjoyed treasure hunting at antique and thrift stores. He took his granddaughter Lucy on many adventures. They especially enjoyed going to the park and the mall. Joel was passionate and encouraging. He often encouraged people with scriptures and spreading the love of Jesus Christ. He was a bright light to all who knew him. Most of all, Joel loved his family, and he enjoyed taking them to all of his favorite nature spots in the Smoky Mountains.
Joel was the perfect example of what a husband and father should be. He was adored by his wife and children. He will be most remembered for the joy and laughter he brought to every event, his crazy jokes, his constant support and encouragement, his servant heart, and the love he had for people who were less fortunate.
Survivors include: his loving wife of 35 years, Brenda Perkins; two children, Adrienne Johnson (husband, Billy) of Jefferson City, Mo. and Jordan Perkins (wife, Sarah) of Ashland, Mo.; parents, Lester and Lola Perkins of Holts Summit, Mo.; his twin brother, Lowell Perkins of Jefferson City, Mo.; two brothers, David Perkins (wife, Brenda) of Holts Summit, Mo. and Nathan Perkins (wife, Sally) of Springfield, Mo.; one sister, Lisa Luebbert (husband, Doug) of Holts Summit, Mo.; two grandchildren, Lucy Johnson and Henry Perkins; his mother-in-law, Joan Burnett of Stover, Mo.; several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Joel was preceded in death by his grandparents; an infant brother and an infant sister.
A private memorial service will be livestreamed at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2020, at First Assembly of God with Pastor Lowell Perkins officiating. Extended family and friends may watch by going to First Assembly of God’s website at www.firstassembly.org and clicking “watch live.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First Assembly of God Missions Program.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison Street, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101.