OBITUARY: Eugene Hafen Perkins

Eugene Hafen Perkins

Eugene “Gene” Hafen Perkins Ph.D., age 96, died peacefully at his home in Provo, Utah, October 26, 2022. He was born February 28, 1926, and grew up in Overton, Nevada.

In June of 1944, he entered the U.S. Marine Corps and served for 26 months during World War II. He married MaryBelle Hendrix on 28 June 1949, in the St. George Temple: “the greatest decision of his entire life.” They had 10 children.

In 1951, he received a B.A. degree with a major in chemistry and a minor in biology from BYU and was the recipient of the Charles E. Maw Scholarship awarded annually for scholastic achievement in the field of Chemistry. He then obtained a PhD degree in Microbiology from the University of Utah in 1958. In September of 1958, he joined the Biology Division of Oak Ridge National Laboratory as an Immunologist research scientist.

He has over 106 scientific publications and regularly presented those findings at national and international scientific meetings.

On 18 June 1972 he was sustained as the first stake president of the Knoxville, Tennessee Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon being released he was called to the Presidency of the Tennessee Nashville Mission where he served briefly before being called as a Regional Representative of the Twelve Apostles. He also served as a Branch President at the Missionary Training Center for couples and older single sisters. He was called as a Provo Temple ordinance worker in 1995 and served for 25 years.

As a true disciple of Christ, he lived his life dedicated to serving others, and was a tireless family and Church historian. He was also a talented gardener, a generous blood donor, a novice beekeeper, and a dedicated jogger and mall-walker. He was a self-disciplined, ever-faithful church member, and a loving husband, father and friend. “My greatest desire in life is to raise up a righteous posterity.”

Gene is survived by his children: Cherie, Kathy Lynn (Joseph) Turner, Craig Lee, Janet (Lane) Swenson, Michael (Susana) Garth, Darryl Tyler (Marti), Bradley Kent (Karen), Lisa Kay (Kevin) Coburn, and James Mathew (Jessica); his sister Merial Overlade also of Provo, UT; 41 grandchildren, and 64 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife MaryBelle Hendrix Perkins; his brother Waldo; his infant brother Kelly; his son Gene Alan; and his parents Clyde Eugene and Ella Hafen Perkins.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the Logandale, Nevada, Stake Center. Interment followed in the Pioneer Hill Memorial Cemetery, Overton, NV 89040.