Lester Gale Perkins, aged 86, of Sterling, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Born on April 5, 1939, in Centralia, Illinois, the son of Lubia Perkins and Elaine Perkins, Gale grew up with a love for hands-on work, which he pursued through his career as a pipefitter and welder. His professional journey began in 1966 with the U.A. Plumbers and Pipefitters Union #653, a commitment that continued until his retirement in 2001. Gale was not only a master of his craft but also a valued colleague and friend to many.
Gale was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge since 1960. He joined the Rock Falls lodge #936 in 1978, and he held the esteemed position of Worshipful Master from 1983 to 1984. He also served as Treasurer of the Temple Board and was a cherished Past Master. He received his 50-year pin in 2011. He was a member of the Scottish Rite
in Moline, IL. His dedication to the Masonic community was a testament to his character and his love for serving others.
He grew up Baptist in Centralia. He taught Sunday school and filled in sermons for the pastor at Rock Falls Evangelical church.
Woodworking was a profound passion for Gale, and he spent countless hours crafting intricate pieces for his family and friends—a hobby that beautifully complemented his professional skill set.
Gale married Janet (Lambird) Perkins on December 4, 1960, and they had four loving children: Vicki Perkins of Centralia, Rhonda Perkins of Lemars, Iowa, Ken Perkins of Rockford, Illinois, and Tammy Kelemen and husband Steve of Rock Falls, Illinois. His legacy is further cherished by his six grandchildren—Jessica Ward, Nick Coad and wife Teena, Brittany Martin, Alexandria Nelson and husband Eddie, Carter Kelemen, and Peyton Kelemen—and seven great-grandchildren: Connor Bugge, Sophia Green, Brynlee Nelson, Presley Nelson, Ellie Nelson, Myles Nelson, and Fletcher Kelemen. He is also survived by his brother Larry “Pudge” Perkins and wife Barb, and three sisters: Sondra Gibbs and husband Enoch, Cheryl Davenport, and Gloria Perkins, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elaine Perkins in 1987 and Lubia Perkins in 1992, and a brother-in-law, Bob Davenport in 2022.
Family, friends, and community members are invited to celebrate Gale’s life at the funeral services to be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at noon at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. A visitation will take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Funeral Home, with Masonic Rites being accorded at 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The U.A. Plumbers and Pipefitters Union #653 and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Perkins Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
