Perry Krekel

MARBLE HILL, Mo. — The Rev. Perry L. "Tony" Krekel, 83, of Marble Hill passed away Sunday, June 22, 2008, at Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau, where he resided the past 18 months, having fought a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

He was born Aug. 16, 1924, in Farmington, Mo., son of Walter and Dovie Krekel. He and Lorraine Shrum were married Oct. 19, 1946, in St. Louis.

Perry was a man of many and varied interests and careers during his lifetime. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1962 after 20 years service, having served as chief aviation machinist mate in the Pacific during World War II as an airplane mechanic supporting the fighter wings.

He also retired from the U.S. Postal Service after many years. Perhaps his most cherished vocation was the time he spent farming in his retirement years. He was a Methodist minister and a member of Plainview Congregational Methodist Church many years.

Perry is survived by Lorraine, his beloved and devoted wife of 62 years; a son, David Krekel and wife Kathy of Shelley, Idaho; four grandchildren, Catherine Wernow and husband Larry of LaMesa, Calif., Alexis Krekel of Shelley, Heidi Morrison and husband Richard of Tilden, Ill., Ben Surdyk of Sparta, Ill.; five great-grandchildren; and his loyal and devoted church family and friends.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Gail Surdyk; his parents; three brothers, James, Ralph and Robert; and a sister, Bessie.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill.

A graveside service will follow in Plainview Community Cemetery, with the Rev. Jimmie Corbin officiating.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, N.Y., 10305.