Clarence Michael "Mike" Perkins

Clarence Michael “Mike” Perkins, 76 of Terre Haute, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026 in The Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care. He was born in Terre Haute on June 25, 1950 to Lawrence Perkins and Helen Vancil Perkins.

Mike was a 1967 graduate of Gerstmeyer High School and married the love of his life Frances, in 1968. He joined the U.S. Army in 1969 where he served in the military police.

Mike was a life member of VFW Post # 972 and a member of the Krietenstein American Legion Post # 104. He was an avid guitarist and was the 2nd person ever inducted into the Wabash Valley Musicians Hall of Fame and played in the band “The Country Nomads” for decades. He was also a member of the Terre Haute R.C. Club and owned many R.C. planes and ultralights. He enjoyed anytime in the air or on the field.

He enjoyed watching his grandsons and great grandson play baseball where he always had van waters and big red dogs.

Mike retried as a front salesman for Kirby Risk. He loved long country car rides to feed squirrels and eat ice cream cones. He would spend many hours watching the trains and working on model trains.

Mike is survived by his wife Frances Perkins as well as three children; Michael Perkins, Tammy Stanisz (Ed), and Carrie Lark (Donnie, Jr.), and a brother, Billy Perkins (Cindy). Also surviving are his grandchildren; Lauren Stanisz, Bryce Stanisz, Austin Lark (Alexis), and Donnie Lark III, as well as two great grandchildren, Cade Michael Lark and Maverick Lark. He was preceded in death by his parents his granddaughter, Morgan Stanisz, and four siblings; Mary Alice Shoulders, Lucy Mazura, Ruthann Rodgers, and Joe Perkins.

Private graveside services will be held at Highland Lawn Cemetery with Tom Sappingfield officiating. Military Rites will be performed by VFW Post # 972, with burial to immediately follow in the cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 North 3rd St., West Terre Haute, IN.

Online condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com