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Andrew Dalton Perkins

Andrew Dalton Perkins

Andrew Dalton Perkins

Andrew Dalton Perkins passed away peacefully in Waco, Texas, on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

Andrew was born on February 5, 1935, during the depression years, in an abandoned logging camp at Warren, Oregon, to Claude and Edith Perkins.  He was the middle child of six children. Andrew lived near Claremont, South Dakota, for his childhood days on the family homestead. After graduation from Claremont High School, he joined the U.S. Navy and attended several aviation electrician schools.  Upon completion of his Navy duties, he attended and graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Andrew and his wife, Joy, were married on July 8, 1954, and have lived in Oceana, Virginia, Fargo, North Dakota, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Richardson, Texas, Lindale, Texas, Georgetown (Sun City), Texas, and Waco, Texas.

Andrew was employed by Rockwell International (formerly Collins Rado Co.) where he worked for thirty years which was highlighted by his technical leadership and project management of the worldwide communications system used by Air Force One.

Following retirement from Rockwell, he worked for eight years with Comsat Corporation.  This employment was notable for his direction of the construction of the world’s largest Radio Telescope at Green Bank, West Virginia.  Following this employment he acted as a technical consultant to two legal firms in the Washington D.C. area. Andrew was a registered engineer in the state of Texas.

In retirement Andrew was an avid woodworker and created many items from a wide variety of exotic woods.  He and his wife, Joy traveled to all parts of the world with friends and family.

Andrew is survived by his wife Joy, daughter Kimberly Grimes and husband Perry of Nacogdoches, Texas, son Greg Perkins and wife Keri of Groesbeck, Texas, brother Mark Perkins and wife Dawn of Claremont, South Dakota, sister Alice Eckhoff of Oregon, five grandchildren - Lauren Grimes Felter and husband Doug, Levi Grimes and wife Sascha, Camille Perkins, Blaine Perkins and J.D. Perkins. He had numerous beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

Andrew was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Edith Perkins, brother David Perkins and sister Phyllis Perkins Swanson Riggs.

Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or North Dakota State University.