Jose Rafael Perez, 81, was sent to his eternal home on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. Services will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Thursday, February 13th at 12:00pm.
Mr. Perez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He moved to Kansas in the 1950s with his family when his father, US Army Lt. Colonel Perez, was transferred to the Fort Leavenworth military base. He graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1961 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Emporia University in 1967. Jose was a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas City, Lawrence, and Topeka.
Known for his many talents, Jose’s professional life was dedicated to retail management, where he worked in leadership positions for Montgomery Wards, JCPenney, and Walmart. In his younger years, Jose was an incredible athlete, participating in track, baseball, and tennis, in addition to JROTC. As an adult, he loved to collect and restore cars, dance, cook, and spend time with family. Jose will most be remembered for his affinity for music and passed this love onto his children. A man of faith, he was deeply rooted in his belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Jose is survived by his children, Brian Perez and wife Stephanie (Kansas City, Kansas), Bradley Perez (Topeka, Kansas), Alisa Perez (Phoenix, Arizona), Jason Perez (Katy, Texas), Jennifer Perez Bessolo and husband Michael Bessolo (Lawrence, Kansas), Jaimes Perez and wife Lauren Perez (Lawrence, Kansas), Megan Perez Jordan and husband Brody Jordan (Topeka, KS); his 7 grandchildren: Perri Rinker (30), Kyra Perez (18), Natalie Perez (12), Michael Perez (8), Easton Bessolo (8), Bentley Bessolo (4), Mateo Jordan (11 months) and great-granddaughter Emilia (8).
Other survivors include sisters Ms. Nydia Perez and Mrs. Ivonne Mauton, both from Leavenworth, Kansas, former wife Kathy Jones (Topeka, Kansas), former wife Patricia Brenton (Lawrence, Kansas), and former partner Cyndi Miller (Topeka, Kansas).
Jose was preceded in death by his dear parents, Lt. Colonel Rafael Perez-Garcia and Juanita (Jennie) Perez Velazquez and older brother Rafael (Ray) Perez Jr.
A visitation will take place from 10:30am-12:00pm on Thursday, February 13th, 2025 at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044, with his service at 12:00pm. Graveside services will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery at 517 E 15th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Livestream the service at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczOTQwNjkyMzM0OTcyNyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
I visit a family member and also got to see Jose often at LPM. He had great eye contact and smiles to share! I will miss seeing him. Dawn
Jose was a friend of my brother Jerry Riling at Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence. I stopped and spoke with Jose many times and met his daughter and son this past Christmas. I know Jerry expressed coming to the services but, unfortunately, we were unable to attend. Jerry and I will miss seeing Jose and hearing his soft spoken voice. Our prayers go out to the family.
Perez family,
I am so sorry for your loss of Jose. My father, Melvin, and Jose were roommates at Presbyterian Manor. I saw him about 3 times a week when I would come to visit my Dad. He would tell me “hi” and would smile. He was such a sweetheart and I wish I had known him before his time at the Manor. I pray that you all have peace knowing he is flying with the angels and watching over you all – and I’m sure listening to oldies music.
Tammy Copp-Barta
I love you Jose and I know, I will see you again. I know that you’re with our Father in heaven. And that gives me comfort through the heartache. There, you have no pain, no discomfort, no sadness. Forgive us for being kind of selfish down here. Even though you have it so beautiful and wonderful and loving up there, we miss you so much down here. Our hearts ache and I know you wouldn’t want that, but it’s so difficult not to feel the pain of losing you.
I am so grateful for all the years that we knew each other and were together. I always told you that I’d never forget you Jose, and I won’t. It’s not possible. You’ve been such an important person in my life.
You were so good to my children and very good to our own child, Megan. You were always very, very good to me, as well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you’ve been and done. You will be greatly missed, for a long time to come.🙏🏼♥️
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Jose. I enjoyed working with him at Montgomery Wards. He will ever remembered as a hard worker and loving family man.
Sending all my love to Jose’s amazing family. Jose was such a kind soul. I will miss 2-stepping in the hallway while he was supposed to be walking with PT. I will miss his subtle, yet spot-on sense of humor. I will miss how he tried to teach me Spanish, only to tell me I should subscribe to Rosetta Stone. He will always have a special place in my heart. ❤️
Hello my name is Greta and I work as a CNA at LPM. Jose was such a joy to be around. I looked forward to see him every Sunday morning I worked. He always had such a contagious smile and hilarious humor he never failed to brighten my day whether it was when he wore his chicken butt shirt or just his quiet and silly remarks he made. His overwhelming kindness was so special and I’m sure you will always be able to feel it. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you my prayers!