Michael Duane Perry was born on April 30, 1944 at the Santa Maria Catholic Hospital. Mike attended Tranquility Catholic Church, Tranquility Grammar School and Kerman High School, graduating in 1963. Mike was an FFA Officer, President in 1962 & 1963 and made FFA State Farmer. Mike also played football and ran track all 4 yrs.
Mike attended Coalinga College receiving an Agri-business degree. Mike took a criminology class where he fell in love with law enforcement. In 1966, Mike, along with his father in law, helped establish Bement’s Autobody in Coalinga.
Mike moved to Fresno and worked for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department where he worked as a Jailer, a Bailiff and a Deputy. Mike moved back to Coalinga where he became a Deputy and Deputy Coroner, allowing him to hone his investigation skills. While living and working in Coalinga he earned an AS degree in Police Science, received the Peace Officer of the Year award and taught Police Report Writing at West Hills College, Firebaugh and NAS Lemoore.
In 1977 he transferred back to Fresno, where he worked hard and became an Agricultural detective. During this time, he attended Fresno State and obtained a BA in Police Science. In 1981 he went to the FBI Academy, in Quantico Virginia. Mike continued his education and in 1984 he obtained a Master’s degree in Criminology from Fresno State. In 1987, Mike left the Sheriff’s Department after 18 years, and was recruited by PG&E to become their Corporate Security Officer.
Throughout his life, Mike farmed raisins on 40 acres in Kerman. Mike gave back to his community by serving as the chairman of Red Ribbon Week, serving on the Raisin Board and serving on the Grand Jury. Mike was an avid dog lover giving them all good homes throughout his life.
After a long battle with cancer, Mike passed away peacefully on December 1, 2021, in his home. Mike is survived by his wife, Linda, his children Justin (Renee), Paige (Jamie), Stephen (Patricia), his grandchildren Tristen, Tayler, Ashlyn, Emma, Abby, Samuel and Leighton, and soon to be great granddaughter. Mike is also survived by his niece Julie Gragnani (Rick), nieces and nephews, and ex-wife Carol.
Services will be held on Friday December 10 at St. Patrick’s Church, 15437 W. Kearney Blvd., Kerman, CA. Visitation at 9:00 AM, Rosary at 9:30 AM and Funeral at 10:00 AM, followed by a graveside service at Fresno Memorial Gardens, located at 180 and Cornelia, and a reception will follow. Facemasks are required in the Church.
