Debbie Michel
April 19, 2019
Editor's Note: Updated on 4/19 to revise the funeral service venue to Battle Creek Tabernacle Church.
Longtime Lake Union educator Donald Perkins was tragically killed Sunday, April 14, in a car accident near Grand Rapids, Mich.
In a Facebook post, his wife, Sue, explained that they and their nine-year-old granddaughter were traveling on slick roads when a car slid into their lane and slammed into their vehicle. She and her granddaughter’s injuries are not life-threatening.
“We all thank you for your concern and expressions of support and love we have received,” she wrote in the social media post. “Looking forward to that DAY.”
Perkins, 76, served in various Lake Union schools as treasurer at Great Lakes Adventist Academy (1985‒1989); principal and business manager of Battle Creek Academy (1997‒2000); boys’ dean (2000‒2004) and director of finance (Jan‒Dec. 2005) at Indiana Academy. He also served at Garden State, Ozark, Gem State, Upper Columbia, Greater Boston, Paradise Adventist and Spencerville academies.
James Davis, current Battle Creek Academy principal said, “Don was a great guy with a heart for Adventist education and for young people. Even in his retirement he continued to serve as a board member and chair of the finance committee. Don is already missed and leaves a significant hole in our school community and hearts.”
In addition to Perkins’ wife, Sue, survivors include: children, Keilor Perkins, Jairo Perkins, Vanessa Bradley, Esther Peariso, Maria Perkins, Tandita Bugel, Noylen Perkins; and 18 grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for May 4 at 4 p.m. at the Tabernacle Church in Battle Creek, Mich. The family is requesting that, in lieu of flowers, donations be make to the worthy student fund at any Adventist academy.
