Rev. Simon A. Perkins Jr.

Simon Arthur Perkins, Jr. was born in Evansville, Indiana on June 22, 1931 to the proud parents of the late Simon Perkins, Sr. and the late Dorcas Louise King Perkins. He graduated from the Old Lincoln High School in 1948 in Evansville, Indiana.

Dr. Perkins was a U.S. Army Veteran who served his country for 9 years, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was Honorably Discharged in 1956. His assignments included Fort Dix, New Jersey, Korea where he fought in the Korean War, Okinawa, Japan and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He received numerous awards and decorations for meritorious service that included the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and 6 combat battle stars.

Dr. Perkins began his quest for higher education by entering Cameron College in Lawton, Oklahoma and transferring to Shorter College in Little Rock, Arkansas where he received his Bachelor of Divinity – Bachelor of Psychology degree. He later earned a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling, Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate of Theology Pastoral Counseling and Ethics from United Theological Seminary.

He also served as a Board Member of the Regional Mental Health Association, State of Missouri 1998-2000; Secretary and Member of the Executive Board – Regional Mental Health Associates (Appointed by the Governor); former Instructor/Administrator (Vincennes University in Vincennes, Indiana, Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, and Evansville University in Evansville, Indiana); Associate Dean of Practical Theology at Hood Theological Seminary; Associated Professor of Homiletics and Counseling at New York Theological Seminary; Pastoral Studies Instructor and Director of Activity Therapy at Cleveland Psychiatric Institute in Cleveland, Ohio to name a few.

Reverend Doctor Simon A. Perkins, Jr. served the African Methodist Episcopal Church for 51 years before retiring in 2000. He has served in the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Twelfth Episcopal Districts. Five new churches were erected under his pastoral leadership and he served as Presiding Elder in the 3rd Episcopal District. He was also a 33rd degree member of the Masonic Lodge.

Life’s book was closed for Simon A. Perkins, Jr. on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at the V. A. Community Living Center (Hospice) in Cincinnati, Ohio. His passing is preceded by his parents, Simon Perkins Sr and Dorcas Louise King Perkins as well as children, Timothy Perkins and Dorcas Perkins.

He leaves to cherish his memory, three sons: Major (Retired) Rodney Wayne Perkins of Manassas VA (Freda), Simon Perkins III, and Robert Nathaniel Perkins of Long Beach CA; two daughters: Jacqueline L. “Angel” Little of Austell GA (devoted son-in-law, retired Lieutenant Colonel, Melvin Little), and Sharon Perkins of Long Beach CA; special Goddaughter, Caroline Pettigrew Harris of Mableton GA; 14 grandchildren; and a host of beloved dear friends.

Services will be held Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 12:00pm at Alexander AME Church in Evansville IN with same day viewing from 11:00 am until service time at the church. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery.