I had the honor of working with Ken my first 4 years at Bishop Miege. He was a great mentor. I would not say I replaced him as physics teacher, but rather, I did my best to carry on the great legacy he began here at Miege. I still routinely meet students of Ken's who are parents of my students. Without exception, they will say what a great teacher he was. There are still bits and pieces of demonstration equipment that Ken made that I use every year. It always makes me smile thinking of him.  

Ken was colleague of mine at Bishop Miege High School.  He was a great gentlemen to know, and a favorite teacher of my kids, Annette and  David Meis.

Jeanne Kobler

My husband Tom taught with Ken for many years at Miege.  They not only taught together but were very good friends.  Tom was the boys basketball coach and taught Social Studies.  Ken was the brains of the group.  I use to call them the "odd couple".  You would never have know they had so much in common.  We had so many good times and so many laughs with Joanne and Ken.  Some of our children had Ken in class and he always went out of his way to help them whenever they needed it.  He left a lasting impression on all of them.   I could say so many things about Ken but he was one of the nicest guys I've had the privilege of knowing.  He was just a very good man.  I can only imagine how happy Tom must have been to see him come.  My heart and prayers are with his family.  Rest in peace dear Ken.
Kitty Colwell
 

My family moved  to KC area my junior year of high school from Arizona.  I had Mr Perry for both Physics and Senior Math IV  my jr year.   I remember the first day it started to snow while we were in his physics class.  I was so distracted looking at the snow fall, that I did not hear him call on me.  I said "It's snowing".  He replied, "Why yes it is!" "I don't ever remember seeing it actually snow!"  Then Mr Perry said, "Well class, I think we need to take this show outside so Amy can see and feel the snow!"  And outside we went.  I enjoyed his classes immensely.  I had him both Jr and Sr year at Miege, and he was a big reason why I ended up majoring in Mathematics.  Not an easy thing, when you are the only girl among Mathematics Majors!  He will always hold a special please in my hear.  God bless you Mr Perry!  Your love for the sciences and mathematics lives on in all your students! 


Before my senior year at Miege began, my father told me I would be taking Physics with Mr. Perry.  I had already fulfilled my science requirements for graduation, and told Dad that I didn’t want to take the class – Physics would be tough and it would hurt my GPA.  Dad said “too bad – I was taking the class and that I would learn more than Physics with Perry."  Dad was right.  In the summer of 1980, I also worked at Miege as Mr. Perry’s “go-fer”.  I preferred to  continue having fun painting houses with my dad and best friend.  Dad said “too bad -  I was working for Perry and I would learn life skills such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, etc...and how to use tools." Again, Dad was right.  The summer after my senior year, I realized a personal goal and was selected to play in the Big Brothers football game at Arrowhead Stadium.  The game was scheduled during a planned Canadian fishing trip with my dad, my two brothers and Mr. Perry.  I had always dreamed of playing in that game and stadium - but I decided, to go to Canada instead.  This time, I was right.  Witnessing the comradery of the two men was a real lesson in friendship.  Mr. Perry was a special man.  He was smart, patient, witty, dedicated and loyal.  He was a good friend to my father and eventually to me.  Once I became a family man myself, I visited Mr. and Mrs. Perry.  He told me I was old enough to call him Ken.  For a moment I almost did, but caught myself and told him that it just wouldn’t sound right coming out of my mouth.  I hope he appreciated the respect I had for him. 
 Before I left for college, Mr. Perry gave me a gift.  It was a socket set.  His card simply said, “I thought you would understand ‘why a tool’  - Summer of ’80.  Good Luck, KP“.  I understood, and I still have those sockets and the card today.  Ken Perry was one of the finest men I have ever known.  He was one of the best role models I’ve ever had. My deepest condolences to Mrs. Perry and the family.  God bless you all.

Ken and I taught 20 years together in the math department.    He was a blessing to all his students and the entire Miege community.  May he rest in peace.  

Ken, Was great to me as a new teacher in 1981.  I enjoyed starting each day with him in the faculty lounge.  Sooo many of his students would talk about what a great teacher he was and how they learned to like math and science because of him and his overhead projector.  He and I were motorcycle buffs as well.  I’m haven’t seen him in years but now I remember all the times we had.  He was a big reason I was proud to be a teacher at Miege.  Greg Wilson

OBITUARY

Kenneth L Perry

Passed away on AUGUST 27, 2020

Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home

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