Jeffery Cole “Jeff” Perkins, 32, of Richmond passed away Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, at North Kansas City Hospital, surrounded by his wife and family.

He was born on Nov. 6, 1987, in Columbia to Wendy Underwood and Chuck Owings.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Melissa Perkins of Richmond; four children, Natalie Perkins, Logan Perkins, Molly Perkins and Journee Perkins, all of Richmond; mother, Wendy (Ron) Essig of Independence; father, Chuck Owings of Huntsville; siblings, Tyler (Vanessa) Perkins of San Jose, California, Levi (Julia) McCall of Independence, Maisyn Essig of Independence, Kody Essig of Independence, Jessica (Kevin) Bennett of Richmond, Annie (Justin) Danner of Kansas City, Bailey Owings of Huntsville, Wyatt Owings of Huntsville, Nick (Teresa) Perkins of Hinesville, Georgia, and Meagan Hunt of Paris; grandparents, Norma and Rick Bailey of Independence and Loretta Perkins of Cairo, and Brenda and Kurtis Wallace of Jacksonville; mother and father-in-law, Jim and Tanya McBee; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jeff was also loved very dearly by the Perkins, McCall and McBee families. He was preceded in death by his maternal great grandmother, Dorothy Fehrman; aunt, Sue Kerr; and uncle, Timothy McCall.

Jeff was a deputy with the Ray County Sheriff’s Department, where he served with honor. He always wore his badge number, 671A, with pride and his head held high. Jeff loved his community and enjoyed assisting with many events, such as Shop with a Sheriff at Christmas; coaching softball teams with his daughter, Natalie, and football teams with his son, Logan; and many more.

Anyone who knew Jeff would tell you he was one of the most genuine people you’d meet. He had a contagious smile, unforgettable and infectious laugh, and an ornery sense of humor. He was funny and could always make you laugh. Jeff was a family man, loved his wife and children dearly, a mama’s boy at heart and loved spending time with his entire family. He especially enjoyed getting together for family dinners, loved all sports and enjoyed going on special cruises with his Aunt Audie. Jeff also had lots of friends who surrounded with him with love throughout the years. He always enjoyed spending time and getting together with his many friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Jeffrey Cole “Jeff” Perkins Memorial Fund. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Funeral services were held at 1 on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, at the funeral home. Burial took place at Sunny Slope Cemetery, Richmond.

Please remember to share your memories of Jeff with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.