David J (Dave) Perry, 75, of Princeton, passed away Monday, November 28, 2022. He was born September 27, 1947, in Princeton, Indiana to James and June (Hillman) Perry, and was the second of ten children.
Dave graduated from Princeton High School in 1965, served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968, and retired in 2007 from Duke Energy Gibson Generating Station.
Dave was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church as well of the Princeton Knights of Columbus Council 1131 and the American Legion. He is also a Past President of the Eagles in Princeton and remained involved in the organization’s fundraising and many projects. Dave was an avid supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Charities operating a local 5k run for 15 years. One thing that anyone who knew him would say, Dave was always willing to offer a helping hand to those in need.
Dave enjoyed NASCAR races and going to them as well as metal detecting for which he held the position of Secretary of the FMDAC (Federation of Metal Detector and Archaeological Clubs Inc.). Dave proudly began his journey in metal detecting by establishing the local Princeton Three Rivers Research and Recovery Club with his brother, Phil. Dave also loved to go flying with his brother Phil and enjoyed taking his grandchildren on their first flight. Dave did complete his own solo flight and flight training.
Dave is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carol; son Jeff (Melissa) Perry of Cumming, GA; daughters, Diana Perry of Hopkinsville, KY, Denise (Don) Hayes of Evansville and Kelley (Rob) Vescovi of Evansville; brother, Phil (Vicki) Perry of Princeton; sisters, Janet (Wayne) Dill of Princeton, Julie (Stan) Curtice of Princeton, and Jane Nelson of Terre Haute; and brother-in-law, Kelly Deffendall. Dave was also a loving grandpa to nine grandchildren, Amber, Derrick, Alyssa, Ashton, Evan, Cassidy, Isabella, Matthew and Zachary. Dave never met a stranger and leaves many friends, co-workers, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, James and June; brothers, James Craig and Patrick Allen; and, sisters, Joyce Deffendall and Jennifer Perry.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2022 from 4 - 8 PM at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton with the Knights of Columbus praying the Rosary at 3:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Friday, December 2, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church,410 S. Race St. in Princeton, Indiana, celebrated by Father Gary Kaiser. Military rites will be provided by the Retired Military Veterans.
Memorial contributions can be made to Dave’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home, or mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at stjude.org.
The family would like to thank the Princeton Fire Territory, Gibson County EMTs and the Princeton Police Department for their incredible care and service for Dave.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.colvinfuneralhome.com. The Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve Dave’s family.
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