Dean L. Perdue, 85, Rochester, passed away at 8:04 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis.
He was born on Sept. 20, 1930, in Rochester, the son of Thomas D. and Viola Stanley Perdue Sr. He attended Purdue University and served with the United States Army during the Korean War in the Signal Corp. On Jan. 23, 1954, at the First Baptist Church in Lansing, Ill., he married Joyce A. Cencion and she survives.
Mr. Perdue had worked and was one of three owner/operators of Gilliland Auto Machine Company, Rochester.
He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he served as custodian for close to thirty years. He had been a member of the Rochester Lions Club, Gideons, Moose Lodge, and the American Legion. He enjoyed working with electronics, computers and had been a licensed radio and television repairman. In his spare time enjoyed tending to his yard and was a season ticket holder of Notre Dame Girls’ basketball.
Survivors include his wife: Joyce A. Perdue, Rochester; daughters: Deana (David) Gottschalk, Rochester; Karen (Dave) McGowen; grandson: Dean (Natalia) Gottschalk, Chicago; sister: Dorothy Crissinger, Rochester; stepbrother: Richard Gilliland, Rochester; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Thomas ‘Sonny’ Perdue Jr.; Melvin L. Perdue; sister: Frances Perdue; and stepfather: Gig Gilliland.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, with Pastor Gail Law officiating. Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com
