Marion Earl Perkins

Marion Earl Perkins, age 92, of Indianapolis passed away peacefully at his residence on March 11, 2023. He was born March 24, 1930, in Lawrence, Indiana. He was the son of Kenneth L. Perkins and Mabel D. Perkins.

Marion was a devoted husband, father, and Gramps. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War, serving from 1948 to 1953. In 1951, he was captured by the Chinese and held prisoner of war for 28 months. His capture came just two days before his scheduled rotation out of Korea. He was listed as missing in action for eight months, then released in a prisoner exchange one month after the war ended in 1953. His decorations include the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal with five battle stars, three Bronze Service Stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Shortly after his release, he met and married Phyllis Young and began working for Naval Avionics Center. He worked there for more than 33 years and retired in 1987.

He loved traveling and planned annual family vacations out west to visit most of the national parks and national monuments. The grandchildren were his highlight. He enjoyed tinkering with old bikes and fixing them up. It began as gifts for his grandkids, but he later extended this hobby by selling bikes in the neighborhood.

He is survived by two daughters and one son: Tammy (Don) Nieten, Ken Perkins, and Terry Perkins.

He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Jason (Laura) Nieten, Scott (Abby) Nieten, Tony (Samantha) Nieten, Traci (Roy) West, Stephanie (Stevie Bartlett) Perkins, Kelli (Kyle) Thomas, Chelsey Root, Bridget Perkins, and Abby Perkins—as well as 11 ½ great-grandchildren: Emily Nieten, Chase Nieten, Cooper Nieten, Bryce Nieten, Alec Nieten, Cora Nieten, Blakely Nieten, Logan West, Carter West, Jackson West, Brooks Thomas, and Baby Thomas.

In addition to his parents, Marion was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Phyllis Perkins; infant daughter, T. Rose Perkins; and two brothers, Donald Perkins and Robert Perkins.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2023, at Flanner Buchanan—Washington Park East, 10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229 with burial to Washington Park East Cemetery. Visitation will be held from noon until the time of service.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.