Perry Kegley

FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. -- Perry Don Kegley, 82, of Fredericktown passed away Monday, March 29, 2021, at Madison Medical Center.

He was born Jan. 18, 1939, in Clarkton, Missouri, to the late James Odell and Lela Shelton Kegley. He married Carolyn Theresa Ward on May 4, 1962, at United Methodist Church in Fredericktown.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and one daughter, Kathy Lynn (Anthony) Walker. Also surviving him are two brothers, James Myron (Shirley) Kegley of Sikeston, Missouri, and Darwyn Kegley of Fredericktown; one sister, Joann (Wallace) Christian of Florissant, Missouri; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ron and Janet Ward of Fredericktown. He is also survived by three nephews, Scott (Paula) Christian, Kelly (Beth) Christian and Eric (Anna) Kegley; three nieces, Julie (Dereck) Buford, Rhonda (David) White and Janell (Travis) Rehkop; and many great-nieces and -nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister-in-law, Judith Ann Kegley.

Perry was a 1957 graduate of Campbell High School. He was an All-State high school basketball player. In his high school career, he scored 2,216 points in 103 games. This was achieved before three-point baskets existed. His record was finally broken in 2021. He continued to have a lifelong love for sports and was very supportive of the school athletic programs.

He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia on a basketball scholarship but soon moved back south when Southeast Missouri State University agreed to match his scholarship. He played his junior and senior years at Southeast. His senior year, the Southeast basketball team traveled to the national tournament, finishing as runners-up to the national champions.

Perry graduated from Southeast on May 22, 1961, with a B.S. in education, with majors in physical education and social science. He also completed the certification for driver education from Arkansas State College in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Later, he received his master's degree at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

Perry joined the National Guard and received an honorable discharge in 1962.

Perry began his teaching career at Fredericktown High School in 1961. He was employed as a driver's education instructor and head basketball coach. Perry and his 1970-1971 basketball team were responsible for the only state basketball banner hanging on the wall in the Fredericktown High School, along with several district championships.

He served as athletic director, assistant to the superintendent as transportation coordinator and later middle school principal. He was a kind and fair principal and was a great influence on the lives of many students who passed through the halls of the Fredericktown School District.

Perry enjoyed working on his farm with his brother, brother-in-law and his wonderful son-in-law, Tony.

He was a member of United Methodist Church and served as an usher for many years. He was also a lifelong member of the Missouri Retired Teachers' Association and lifetime member of Madison County Retired School Personnel.

Perry had a warm, outgoing personality and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Perry's funeral was held Thursday at Follis and Sons Funeral Home in Fredericktown.