A private Memorial Service will be held September 6, 2023, at our chapel. In Lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions are suggested to the First Assembly of God Church in McAllen, TX. A public service will also be held in McAllen at a later date.
Ira David Perry, 77, of Kansas City, KS and Mission, TX, passed away peacefully in his home on August 22, 2023. He was born January 18, 1946 in St. John, Newfoundland. As a boy he learned to love the game of hockey, and continued to play for many years, including the Seebe, Alberta city team. As an adult he loved to take long hikes with his dog in forests and rough terrain.
Mr. Perry worked as a Control Room Operator in the power industry in Canada and the United States for over fifty years, in both small city energy companies and large multi-state systems. He always said he “kept the lights on” for everyone. He retired from the U.S. Department of Energy in 2016, where he helped to coordinate the generation of energy in seven states. He was a long-time member of the Assembly of God Church, most recently attending the McAllen Assembly of God Church in McAllen, TX.
He married Kathleen Ann Zach Karr of Parkville, MO on September 16, 2008 in Arlington, VA. Mr. Perry had been an RV’er since he was a young man, so after their marriage Ira and Kathy travelled throughout the United States for many years in their RV. Ira had always felt he was a Texan at heart, so after retirement they spent the winter months in Mission, Texas and bought a home there. He was an avid Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago White Sox fan and an expert on the music and artists of the 50’s and 60’s. Dogs were an important part of his life, and from boyhood to his death he had seven beloved pets to enrich his life.
In addition to Kathy, survivors include four children: Donna Diana Sylvester (Jim), Rhonda Phyllis Perry, Bonnetta Josephine Perry (Brian Coulthard), and Ira “Lee” Perry; seven grandchildren: Crystal, Trinity, Quinn, Logan, Kevin, Eve, and Samantha; and a great grandson, Felix.
Kathy, I am so sorry about Ira‘s passing. We just want you to know that McAllen First Assembly is grieving with you. We are loving you and praying for you during this difficult time of grief.
I am sorry to learn of Ira’s passing. We were shift partners at the Western Area Power Administration. Ira had me beat, I retired after only 39 years as a control room operator. We had many interesting discussions during our 12 hour shifts, especially the overnight shifts. My condolences to you and all of his family.