Brian Wheeler Perkins, 80, of Lawrence, KS, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, with his daughters by his side, on August 17, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. after bravely battling metastatic colon cancer for two years. Brian was, above all else, a kind and cheerful man whose greatest joy was the people he loved, and he leaves behind a legacy of generosity, compassion, and quiet acts of love that will live on in the many lives he touched.
Brian was born on February 2, 1946, in Lawrence, KS, to Lois and Carl C. Perkins. He grew up in Prairie Village, KS, where he spent much of his time building model airplanes and flying them at competitions with his dad and brothers, winning many awards and developing an appreciation for building, fixing, and figuring out how things worked that stayed with him throughout his life.
After graduating high school from Shawnee Mission East, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served as an air traffic controller during the Vietnam era until he was honorably discharged in 1971. Following his time in the Army, he attended the University of Kansas and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business.
Brian was the proud father of two daughters, Silvy (James) Kehrli of Rogers, AR, and Abbey (Brett) Gatoff of Olathe, KS. He was also the proud grandfather of six grandsons: Parker, Paxton, Payton and Pierce Kehrli, and Maddox and Rowen Gatoff. His family was incredibly important to him. Being a dedicated dad and grandpa brought Brian tremendous joy, and he took great pride in each of his children and grandchildren. He loved hearing their stories, knowing what they were doing, and celebrating the people they were becoming. He was especially proud of all they had accomplished, and his love for them was constant and unwavering.
Brian was also deeply devoted to his brothers and sister. He is survived by his sister, Janet Perkins (Jeff Aube), and his brother, Bruce Perkins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl II and Lois Perkins, and his older brother, Carl Perkins III. Brian also leaves behind five beloved nieces and one nephew, Nicole, Casey, Mandy, Natalie, Whitney and Carl Perkins IV, all of whom held a special place in his heart.
Brian loved golf and had many great stories of his days both playing on the course and as a caddie. He also had a lifelong love for his Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs and enjoyed cheering for his teams. But Brian was perhaps the happiest when he had something to work on. He loved fixing up old cars, lawn mowers, and just about anything that needed repairing. He had a natural ability to look at something that wasn’t working and figure out how to make it work again. More than simply fixing things, he loved giving the things he fixed to others and seeing them put to good use.
Brian cared deeply about people. He was generous with his time, his knowledge, and his friendship. If someone needed help, Brian was often there before they even had to ask. He never needed recognition for the things he did. Although Brian was thoughtful and wise with his money and enjoyed investing, he was never defined by what he had—he cared far more about what he could give. His generosity and kindness were quiet, consistent, and deeply felt by those around him.
Brian loved his neighbors and the community. He looked out for the people who lived near him, formed meaningful relationships with them and was always willing to lend a hand. His neighbors were not simply people who lived nearby—they became people he cared about, checked on and considered close friends. The love and kindness he shared by helping his neighbors was one of the many ways he made a difference in the lives of others.
Brian will be remembered as a devoted father and grandfather, a loving brother and uncle, a loyal friend, a caring neighbor, a proud Jayhawks and Chiefs fan, and a genuinely kind and pleasant man. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the family he loved so dearly, but in the friends he helped, the neighbors he looked out for, the people he encouraged, the strangers he welcomed and the countless things he repaired and gave away along the way.
Brian’s life was marked with quiet acts of kindness, a willingness to help, an acceptance of everyone, a love of family, and an unwavering generosity toward others. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Services
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 21, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral home in Lawrence, Kansas. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, followed immediately by a celebration of Brian’s life at the Red Lyon. Family and friends are warmly invited to join together to remember Brian, share stories, and celebrate the life of a truly kind and caring man who meant so much to so many.
I knew Brian very well from HS and living close in Prairie Village./ A really good guy.
I can’t say I knew Brian well, but I ran into him occasionally, and my main memory of him was the time someone stole a rocking chair off my porch. When he heard about that, he said, “I have a rocking chair for you”. And, just like that, he came right over with a chair in excellent condition. I was very impressed with his generosity, but had no idea until reading the comments on this page, how much that was a part of his nature…a kind and generous man to the core!
Sending my deepest sympathy to Brian’s daughters and my cousins Janet and Bruce. Many wonderful memories of summer vacations spent in Lawrence visiting my grandparents and cousins.
It’s been many years since my path crossed with Brian’s, but we spent a lot of time and energy playing volleyball n his yard and n city leagues, although I first met him playing women’s slowpitch at Lyons no. 2 with Brian behind the plate. I didn’t take long to belong to his large and active circle of friends. We all had a lot of fun and managed to stay out of big trouble😁. I miss the fun times because of Brian’s friendship. Peace to his daughters and to Betty.
Ohh myy, Thoughts n prayers for a very lovely, thoughtful man.. was a very nice obituary bout him, I remember the years of volleyball Thursday NItes at his house on Indiana.. the lot next to his house is filled with ants now..a great hospitable family. Perk will be up in heaven dancing w Jesus..
Lovely obituary for Brian. I always loved seeing him when the kids and I would visit Bruce in Eudora. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Rest easy now,Brian. 💔🙏
The obit expresses very well Brian’s kind, generous, and sociable ways. i have known him since he was discharged from the military – he was enrolled in the first class I taught at KU. We became good friends, played golf together, and socialized often, especially when our good friend Bob Nordyke lived across the street from him. He was a wonderful person who I will miss and never forget. My best to his daughters and rest o his family. Very sorry about your loss. Rest in peace old friend!
Abby and Silvy,
So sorry for the loss you are enduring. Please remember to lean on each other and respect each other’s needs. Sisters need each other.
Brian was a good friend of mine for many years. I will miss him.
In the 70’s we were on the same recreational league volleyball team. We usually had a few beers afterward. We shared a friend group.
We briefly lived in the same house. We often hung out with other friends at various taverns. Brian would often share stories of his life with family, golfing, in the army, or with friends, or going ons in the neighborhood.
My condolences to Sylvy, Abbey, Janet, Bruce, and their respective families.
My condolences and thoughts and prayers go out to Silvy and Abbey at this time. I remember watching Brian walk Silvy down the aisle at her wedding and dancing with her at the reception. A very generous and kind soul will be missed by them and so many. Hugs and prayers!