David W. Perkins

David (Dave) Wayne Perkins passed away at home Saturday, December 14, 2019. Dave was born in Kansas City, MO on July 9, 1957 to Bruce Perkins and Kay Perkins (Winslow). Dave was a lifelong Kansas City resident and attended Northeast High School. Dave worked as a truck driver in and around the Kansas City area and married and raised a family here. He is survived by his wife Brenda Perkins (Morris), sons Joe and Kyle(Julie) and daughter Miranda. Dave had five grandchildren: Joe Jr, Katie, Dakota, Riley and Carly. He also leaves behind his father Bruce and his sister Sheryl. He was preceded in death by his mother Kay who passed away in 2016.

Dave was well known in the KC racing scene as an avid and skilled race car driver, competing successfully for many years at local tracks. As Richard Petty said,”I quit driving, not racing”, and Dave remained involved in the sport as a pace car driver and official at Lakeside Speedway. During his career as a driver, Dave won frequently, notably winning the 1989 Charger championship and was named to the KC racing Hall of Fame. Some of Dave’s family’s best memories of him were at the track and sharing his love of racing with his family was important to him.

In addition to racing, Dave followed all local college and pro sports teams, particularly the Chiefs, Royals and Missouri Tigers. Rarely did a Mizzou game take place without Dave repeatedly texting his son, NOT a Tigers fan, to brag or in shame. Dave loved to tease his family but was also a good person to call if you needed help. He always did what he could for family and friends, enjoying spending time with them at the Lake of the Ozarks after his racing career was over.

His granddaughter Riley would often let everyone know that if something was broken “Grandpa could fix it.” And usually he could. Dave Perkins will be greatly missed. A celebration of Dave’s life is being planned and will be held at a later date.

A celebration of Dave’s life is being planned and will be held at a later date.