DANVILLE
Michael Kenneth Perkins, 65, of Danville, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016.
Mike was born in Bellows Falls, Vermont, and grew up in Saxtons River, Vermont, where he and his brother raided neighbors’ gardens and helped stock the shelves in their grandfather’s market.
His parents moved the family to Titusville, Florida, when he was a teenager, but his heart always remained in Vermont. Mike eventually landed in Indiana where he spent the majority of his life living in Greenwood and Danville.
He spent many years as a mechanic and auto body repairman for Smart Ford where he worked his way up to service manager. He loved the car business, but left it and found his way to Harrell’s Car Wash Systems where he found a new passion, and where he retired, in 2015.
Mike’s love of cars, woodworking and his job were only surpassed by his love for family and friends. He believed a person to be wealthy not by the dollars in their bank accounts, but by the love they received from others. He was a wealthy man. Mike was also a devoted soccer fan to his only grandson’s team — the Orange Crush.
He looked forward to Saturday games more than anyone else. Mike would give the shirt off his back to any friend who needed it, tirelessly work to find a solution to repair something, and insist on paying for absolutely every meal when he took his family out.
Mike had a wicked sense of humor and thought all babies and children were beautiful, even if they weren’t. In his later years, he discovered a love for cats and began feeding all the neighborhood strays.
He taught his daughters how to be handy and use all of his tools so they would never be taken advantage of by contractors and repairmen. Mike left this world knowing both of his girls found husbands that would take care of them and love them forever.
And although he knew hearts would be broken when he was gone, he often said he would be ready to be called home at any time because he had lived a wonderful, fulfilling life.
He leaves behind daughter, Michelle Mittman, and son-in-law, Randy Mittman; grandson, Sam Mittman (Brownsburg); daughter, Kaylyn Fox, and son-in-law, Charles Fox (Indianapolis); brother, Timothy Perkins (Westerly, Rhode Island); niece, Adrian Colburn and family (Chester, Vermont); and beloved rescue cat, Eloise.
Mike was greeted at Heaven’s door by those who predeceased him, his parents, Edward and Claire Perkins; grandfather, Guy Simonds, grandmother, Iva Rugg; uncles, Thomas and Donald Perkins; and his best friends, Jai and Larry Reynolds.
Memorial donations can be made in Mike’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or by going to alz.org.
Arrangements entrusted to A.R.N. Funeral & Cremation Services.
Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.
