Obituary of Bern Perkins

Bern Perkins, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in his home in Buckhannon, WV, on February 4, 2024. Bern was born to Hayes and Katherine (Foley) Perkins on April 18, 1931. Bern was blessed with many siblings. Hayes and his first wife had four children and he and Katherine had ten, Bern being the youngest. Bern married his first love, Patricia (Patty) Ann Radabaugh, on October 22, 1950. They were married for 57 years prior to Patty’s death on December 22, 2007. Together they had five children, Randall Bern (deceased), Sandra (deceased), Karen Leventry and husband David of Buckhannon, Bonnie Mayhew and husband Terry of Romney, WV and Jeffrey and wife Vanessa Perkins of Buckhannon; ten grandchildren, Mathew Leventry, Wade Leventry (Jessica), James Bern (Maiko) Mayhew, Louis Leventry, Melissa (Brian) Mayhew Gibbons, Sarah Leventry, Hayes Perkins, Katherine (Jared) Perkins Boone, Gage Raschella (Perkins) and Adalyn Perkins; nine great-grandchildren, Sydney Leventry, Ike Leventry, Leam Mayhew, Luke Mayhew, Laurel Gibbons, Colton Boone, Colin Gibbons, Leon Mayhew and Caleb Boone. On November 7, 2010, Bern married June Furr Perkins, who survives. Together they have enjoyed the last 14 years of marriage, and he developed a very special bond with June’s children – Emily Mead and husband Dan of South Charleston, WV and Michael Furr of North Myrtle Beach, SC. Bern worked as a heavy equipment operator for the mines for over 30 years. He enjoyed singing in his church choir and was a talented mandilion and guitar player. In his younger years he loved a game of softball, volunteering as a 4-H leader and often was found working his farm. Most of all he was a man of great faith and was a shining example of Christ’s love. His smile would light up the room. Being a grandfather came naturally to Bern. His grandchildren loved sitting on his knee and many hours sitting on his porch swing. The family would like to offer a special thanks to WVU hospice and his caregiver, Mindy Monteleone, for the excellent care they provided. Friends will be received Thursday, February 8, 2024, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Friday 1 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Holt Poling officiating. Burial will follow in Buckhannon Memorial Park in Buckhannon. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.