Mark “Chris” Perkins

Wichita, Kansas – Mark Chris Perkins, 74, died Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital. He was born August 10th, 1948 to Clyde and Natalie Perkins in Kansas City, KS.
Education was one of his passions. He taught at USD 480 Liberal High School for 22 years prior to before his early retirement in 2011 due to health complications. He was also an Adjunct Faculty member at Seward County Community College and volunteer Hospital Chaplain at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal. He loved his time spent volunteer teaching at the after-school Good News Club for child evangelism in Liberal.
Chris was an avid believer and follower of Jesus Christ and preached at several funerals. In his latter years, he loved nothing more than to share his faith with everyone.
As a professional musician he played in several church worship teams plus more than 13 bands throughout his lifetime and contributing mostly as a keyboard and bass player and singer.
Other hobbies were first and foremost spending time with his adored grandsons, fishing, and hunting. He also loved smiling, telling jokes, making people laugh, and talking to anyone and everyone!
Chris proudly served his country in the US Army National Guard from 1971-1978. He was Honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6 (Detachment 1, Battery A, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery). While serving he earned the Badge and Bar decoration for Marksman, Rifle. Not surprisingly and during his time at Fort Polk, La., in 1972, he received the Outstanding Entertainer Award.
He was preceded in death by Clyde T. Perkins, father, and Natalie A. Perkins, mother.
Chris is survived by (wife) Pamela May Perkins of the home, Wichita; (son) Sean Perkins, M.D., Wichita; (daughter) Skye Clements and husband Shannon, and (grandsons) Alexander, Nicholas, and Bennett, Grain Valley, MO; (brother) Kirby Perkins and wife Barbara, Ellis, KS.
He had many beloved nephews and nieces. He always fondly referred to the former students he taught as “his kids”.
A celebration of Chris’ life will be held in Wichita, KS, later in the year. Location, time, and date are to be TBD.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. www.smithmortuaries.com