Owen Perkins

Owen Eldon Perkins, of Bad Axe, Michigan, passed away peacefully at the Huron County Medical Care Facility, Bad Axe, on June 24th, 2026 at the age of 90. Born June 9, 1936 and raised in Bad Axe, Michigan, to Owen C. and Esther (Schelke) Perkins, Owen embodied values of hard work, patriotism, and quiet determination throughout his life. Though his career took him to many places, Bad Axe always remained home in his heart. In his retirement, he found great comfort and joy in returning to the town that shaped him, reconnecting with lifelong friends and the community he loved so dearly. After graduating high school, Owen answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. Stationed in Hawaii, he served as an instructor for 2 years until honorable discharge from active duty. He was recalled into service for one more year at Fort Lewis, Washington. Following his military service, Owen joined the Merchant Marines, sailing the Great Lakes and embracing both the adventure and responsibility that came with life on the water. Owen went on to build a 40-year career in management with the Chrysler Corporation at the Sterling Stamping plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, where he made many lifetime friends throughout his career. Outside of work, Owen, along with friends and family created a lifetime of cherished memories at his home on Cass lake. A lifelong and devoted fan of Detroit sports, Owen cheered passionately for all of Detroit's professional teams, but none captured his heart quite like the Detroit Tigers. Among his most treasured memories was being in attendance at Tiger stadium on October 14th, 1984, when the Tigers defeated the San Diego Padres to clinch the world series championship, witnessing one of the greatest moments in Detroit sports history first hand. Decades later, another unforgettable baseball memory came when he was honored on the Comerica Park jumbotron during a Tigers game in celebration of his 88th birthday. Seeing his smiling face displayed before thousands of fellow fans was a fitting tribute to a lifelong of unwavering loyalty to the team he loved. Due to health issues, Owen's final years were spent at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe, where he received exceptional and loving care and formed bonds with fellow patients, and staff members who became like family to him. To know Owen was to know his keen sense of humor, vivid imagination and storytelling talents. Because of his outgoing personality, everyone he met became an immediate friend. He was also known for his generosity to those less fortunate, always willing to give to those in need. During his latter days, his spirit quieted because of failing health, but he never lost that mischievous twinkle in his eyes, nor his love for those close to him. Owen is survived by his sister, Mrs. Paul (Gloria) Coiner, of Bad Axe, MI; nieces and nephews, William (Tricia) Silveira of Uxbridge, MA, Melisa (David) Liddell of Las Vegas, NV, Kelli (Sean) McDonald of Auburn, MA, Leslie (Donald) Maurer, Bad Axe, MI, Daniel (Tara) Coiner, Calhoun, GA, Christian Coiner, Atlanta, GA, along with many beloved great nephews and nieces, and special friends, David, Keith and, Steve Lappin. He was preceded in death by one sister, Mrs. John (Shirley) Silveira, Yarmouth, MA, and Brothers-in-law, Mr. John Silveira, Yarmouth, MA, and Mr. Paul Coiner, Bad Axe, MI. In keeping with Owen’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. As the final inning has been played and the sun sets on a remarkable life, Owen's memory will forever remain with those who loved him. His was a life well lived—marked by service, hard work, unwavering loyalty, enduring love for family, and an abiding pride in his hometown, his country, and the Detroit teams he so faithfully cheered. Arrangements are being handled by the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach.

Owen Perkins

June 9, 1936 - June 24, 2026