Carey Linn Perkins

Carey L. Perkins, a.k.a. Axel Studebaker, a.k.a. Mr. Smith, passed away on December 27, 2021, at the age of 77 after a recent lung cancer diagnosis. A 3-6-month prognosis, in reality, was 3-6 weeks.

He is survived by his companion, Cecilia Richey; his children, Kendra (Paul Keller), Chris (Rebecca McCarrick), and Sarah; and his grandchildren, Jack, Ben, Maggie, Katie, and Sam. He is also survived by his former wife, Jerre Harman Perkins, originally of Guymon, OK, and Cecilia's daughter, Kim (Annica Steffensen).

He is preceded in death by his faithful partner, Bubba, a wiener dog that practically lived like a human until the vet told Carey “no more”.

Born November 8, 1944, in Norman, OK, his parents, Alfred Perkins and Ruth Nolan Perkins, eventually moved to Marlow, OK, where Carey graduated H.S. in 1962. When his parents retired, they moved to Duncan, OK. Carey attended Cameron College and Panhandle State University where he was active in ROTC. Carey was commissioned and served in the U.S. Army from 1967-72, with two tours in Vietnam between assignments at Washington D.C. and Fort Sill. After an honorable discharge from the Army, he worked as a Police Officer in Guymon, OK, and briefly as a Border Patrol Agent in Arizona before finding his profession as a Deputy U.S. Marshal.

With the Marshals Service, Carey lived and worked in Lubbock, TX, Oklahoma City, OK, and Spokane, WA, not including his many work assignments throughout the country. Following his retirement, Carey was still on the search for good food and adventure. He even tried his hand at golf, until he realized there was no shooting at the driving range. After his oldest daughter was finally married, Carey returned to Duncan and lived out his days frequenting the local eateries, schmoozing with the staff and locals, watching wildlife, and collecting anything he thought was a bargain. Avoiding any form of mass transit, he enjoyed driving 10-15 miles below the speed limit touring the country in his 'blue bomber' with his trusty partner Bubba. He drove all over, visiting friends, family, and attending Marshals conventions while stopping at any historical road marker, battlefield, or store clearance section along the way. Carey was very proud of his service to his country, along with all the friends he made along the way. Carey always exclaimed his job was an adventure, and he had fun doing it. Furthermore, he was a private and modest person that would be embarrassed by all this ballyhoo. He is and will be missed.

Services will be held at Whitt Funeral Home, Duncan, OK, with a Military funeral at Fort Sill. Viewing: January 17th from 5-6:30 pm. Service: January 18th at 10 am, officiated by Rev. Randy Southerland, with military burial at 2 pm, Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, OK.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.whittfh.com.

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