Obituary of Thomas Perkins

     Thomas "Tom" Perkins, 86, of Bradenton, Florida peacefully passed away February 12, 2024 at Westminster Point Pleasant in Bradenton. Born in 1937 and raised on a family farm in Tyronza, Arkansas, he graduated from Arkansas State University where he was a letterman on the varsity football team. After graduation Tom joined the US Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where he advanced to the rank of Major. At Camp Lejeune he met his wife Judith DeArmond, to whom he was married until her passing in 1998. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps Tom and Judy moved to Bradenton, Florida with their newborn son Tom Jr., to join some of her family.

In Florida he embarked upon a second career as a Marine Biologist. He taught high school math while simultaneously working towards his master’s degree in marine biology from the University of South Florida. After graduating he joined the Florida Department of Natural Resources in St Petersburg as a Marine Scientist and worked there until his retirement in 2005. He had many roles at the laboratory over his 30 + year tenure, including a term as director, but ultimately decided that research would be his focus. His research specialty was in Marine Polychaetes of South Florida and the Tampa Bay region. He was recognized internationally for this research and was a member of the Linnaean Society. Tom was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, loved to work in the yard, read, and was also an avid fan of Manatee High School football. He was most proud of his only grandchild, Dylan, who like him is a math aficionado also loves manatees and is in their first year of college.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver Perkins and Evelyn Perkins, his brother Col. Charles Perkins, and his wife, Judith (DeArmond) Perkins. Tom is survived by his son Thomas (Tom) Perkins, Jr.; sibling Donald Perkins; grandchild Dylan Perkins and extended family including nieces and cousins.

Tom’s memorial service will be Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 2 pm at Christ Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc. or Save the Manatee Club.