The 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia

COLONEL ARNOLD HOUSTON “ARNIE” GAYLOR, USA, RET

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Date He Passed Away: MAY 14, 2022
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: D COMPANY, 1st SQUADRON, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1967-68
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Colonel Arnold Houston Gaylor (Arnie), US Army (Ret), went to Fiddler’s Green on May 14, 2022 in Williamsburg, Virginia at the age of 81. He was born in Roderfield, West Virginia on Nov 6, 1940 to Henry and Flora (Headley) Gaylor, though he considers his home to be Midfield, Alabama, where he grew up. His two older brothers, William and James, preceded him in death; he is survived by his sister, Patricia Simmons. He graduated from Bessemer High School in 1958 and attended Birmingham-Southern College until he was appointed to the United States Military Academy, West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science. Upon his graduation on June 3, 1964, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, Armor in the United States Army. During his time in the Army, Arnie earned a Masters in Mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Masters of Military Art and Science from the Command and General Staff College, and a Masters in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. “Dragon Daddy,” as he was known to his troopers, served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam, serving as a Captain in D Company, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse) in 1967-1968. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

He taught Mathematics at the United States Military Academy 1972-1975, and served both at Fort Eustis, Virginia and Selfridge ANG Base, Michigan as a Research and Development Coordinator, where he participated in the design of the new M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. He commanded the 2nd Battalion, 5th US Cavalry (Black Knights), 1st Cavalry Division, in Fort Hood, Texas, where he was affectionately known as Ltc. “Darth” Gaylor to his Captains. From 1985-1989, Col. Gaylor served as G3 of the 3rd Armored Division, Frankfurt, Germany and as Chief Force Management Division, Office of Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations United States Army Europe, Heidelberg, Germany. In Heidelberg, he was awarded The Legion of Merit for conceiving, developing, and implementing force integration procedures to facilitate combat ready units to be deployed to Europe. His final posting was in the Department of Operations, Strategic Defense Command, Huntsville Alabama. Mr. Gaylor retired from military service after 26 years of active duty in 1990. He started his civilian career as a Program Developer for EER Systems before finding his home with Cubic Defense Applications Group, eventually attaining the position of Vice President and Deputy General Manager, Operations Support Division. While with Cubic, Arnie oversaw and managed all civilian operations at JRTC at Fort Polk, Louisiana and the Korean Battle Simulation Center, United States Forces Korea & Eighth Army, Yonsang, Korea. During his time at West Point, Arnie met his wife of 57 years, Linda (Wermick) Gaylor, while in Philadelphia for an Army / Navy game. [Arnie asked a group of nurses in an elevator, “Who wants to go to a party?” and Linda volunteered!] Arnie is survived by Linda, his children, Scott Gaylor and Becky Snyder (husband Bill), and his grandchildren, Nick and Lauren Gaylor and Elizabeth and Billy Snyder. Arnie was an engineer at heart and enjoyed designing and building renovations and additions for his beloved cabin in Pennsylvania. He was also an avid supporter and volunteer for the Democratic Committee in York County, Virginia. Arnie’s greatest achievement was the love and devotion he gave to his wife and family. Many generations of Gaylors and Snyders will learn from his wisdom. Graveside services will be conducted at Union Cemetery in McConnellsburg, PA at a later date, to be announced. The family asks those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating (in Arnie’s name as an honor / memorial gift) to Move United (http://www.moveunitedsport. org), which offers sports rehabilitation for wounded warfighters with permanent physical disabilities in military hospitals and communities across the U.S. In the words of poet, Dylan Thomas: “Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” Rest assured, Arnie did not go gently. He fought his final battle with grace, strength, and dignity.

Rest in peace Sir.

JOHN P “JACK” MUTTER

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Date He Passed Away: MARCH 6, 2022
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: K TROOP, 3rd SQDN, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1966-67
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John “Jack” Mutter, 76, formerly of Houghton, passed away on March 6, 2022 in Florida following a lingering illness.

He was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hancock on October 26, 1945. He attended St. Joseph Catholic grade school and later Houghton High School.

Jack was drafted into the military in 1965 and served in combat proudly with K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry (the legendary “Black Horse” Regiment) in 1966-67. When needed, he volunteered to serve as a “tunnel rat” to clear the tunnels of the Vietcong. He drew much praise from his commander and comrades. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

After his service in 1967 he was hired at the General Motors Oldsmobile plant in Lansing, Michigan. He was active for many years in Big Brothers of Lansing.
After 33 years at GM, he retired to Florida and became a “snow bird” dividing his time between Englewood, Florida and Houghton, Michigan. He loved summers at Hancock Beach where he sometimes acted as a “caretaker” with the approval of the city. He was a “regular” daily—rarely missing a day. Sadly, he never got to see the new dock which he ardently hoped for. He was an excellent swimmer and a serious fisherman.

He enjoyed his early morning breakfast with the McDonald’s morning crew and his afternoon sessions with Cheri and his many friends at the B&B Bar.

He was honest, loyal, sincere, and caring. He was famous for his many jokes and his messages on his summer T-shirts. He loved animals, especially his two 4 legged “nephews”. Whenever his name “uncle Jackie” was mentioned they couldn’t wait for his arrival—with treats as usual.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter J. Mutter and Anna (Boyle) Mutter. Surviving are his brother Walt and his sister-in-law Anne (Dilworth) Mutter, 5 cousins, and his neighbor and caregiver Florida friend, Jacklyn Stanley who became his chosen guardian. She and the staff at Heritage Oaks Assisted Living provided him with loving care during his residency.

He will be missed by his many friends in Houghton, Englewood, and Lansing.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Houghton with Rev. Father John Martignon to officiate. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock following the mass, with the Copper Country Veterans Association to offer military honors. Friends may call at the church from 10 A.M. until the 10:45 A.M. time of services on Thursday.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is in charge of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.

Rest in peace Jack.

ROY E BURKE, JR

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Date He Passed Away: SEPTEMBER 17, 2021
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1967-68
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Roy E. Burke passed away September 17, 2021 from Aggressive Prostate Cancer which was caused by exposure to Agent Orange.

Roy proudly served his country as a Sergeant in Regimental Headquarters, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1967-68. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

He is survived by his wife Ella and their children and grandchildren.

The legacy he left behind will be carried forward by their children, and grandchildren plus their future children.

Rest in peace Roy.

CHESTER K FENNER

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Date He Passed Away: MARCH 7, 2022
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: HEADQUARTERS, HEADQUARTERS TROOP, 3rd SQDN, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1967-68
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Chester K. Fenner of Lebanon, Oregon, passed away March 7, 2022.

Chester proudly served his country in Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1967-68. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

He was cremated and services were private.

He is survived by his wife Sandra.

Rest in peace Chester.

DONALD G “RUSTY” LEPPER

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Date He Passed Away: NOVEMBER 16, 2021
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: HOWITZER BATTERY, 2nd SQDN, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1969-70
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Flowers or Donation Information: ST JUDES RESEARCH HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN

Donald “Rusty” George Lepper, age 85, of Danbury, passed away at his home on November 16, 2021. He was born in Trenton, Nebraska to William and Neva (Otis) Lepper on January 14, 1936; he was one of 12 children in the Lepper family. Rusty attended school in McCook.

Rusty enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1954, shortly after leaving high school. In 1967, he separated from military service for a short time and worked in the oil fields, but soon felt the pull of his patriotic duty once again and reenlisted in the United States Army. Rusty retired as a Staff Sergeant on February 28, 1974, after over 20 years of service. He served mostly as a Field Artillery Crewman and his career took him all over the world. He was stationed in Alaska and many other locations in the continental United States. Rusty also served in England, Germany, Scotland, Korea, and Vietnam. For his service in Vietnam, Rusty received the following decorations and citations: the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with five Bronze Service Stars, Five Overseas Bars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star with a Double Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. This is just a brief list of duty stations and awards that Rusty compiled during his lifetime of honorable service in the United States Military. He proudly served as a Staff Sergeant, E-6, in the Howitzer Battery, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1969-70. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

Rusty returned to Red Willow County, Nebraska after his retirement. He worked for many area farmers and tended bar at local establishments. He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Rusty enjoyed hunting deer and pheasants and fished many of the reservoirs around McCook. He was a member of the Eagles Club in McCook and enjoyed catching up with friends over a beer at any of the area bars. Rusty loved watching a good football game and he enjoyed smoking his cigars.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Lepper; sister, Betty Harper; sister, Marilyn Shadley and husband, Cork; sister, Charlotte Groothuis and husband, Gilbert; sister, Annette Snyder and husband, Bart; brother, Larry Lepper; sister, Carol Matson and husband, Don; nephew, Wade Lepper; niece, Pamela Valentine; and nephew, Donnie Lepper.

Survivors include his sister, Sandra Diederich and husband, Butch, of Oberlin, Kansas; brother, Mike Lepper and wife, Sherry, of McCook; sister, Laurie Dybdahl and husband, Sam, of McCook; sister-in-law, Lois Lepper of McCook; brother-in-law, Melvin Harper of Hastings, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Mary Lepper of California; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 PM, Thursday afternoon, December 16, 2021 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook with Jim Jones and Michael Simmonds providing words of comfort. Committal services will take place at a later date at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska with full military honors.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Rusty’s name. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.

Rest in peace Rusty.

ROBERT W “BOB” CARLSON

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Date He Passed Away: MAY 3, 2022
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: AIR CAVALRY TROOP, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1968-69
Name of Funeral Home or Church: IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Street Address / City / State / Zip Code: 39901 PLEASANT STREET, SANDY, OR 97055
Date & Time of Visitation: 2:00 PM, MAY 21, 2022
Funeral Service Location: IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Date & Time of Funeral Service: 2:00 PM, MAY 21, 2022
Street Address & Town / City / State Zip Code: 39901 PLEASANT STREET, SANDY, OR 97055
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Flowers or Donation Information: 11th ACVVC SCHOLARSHIP FUND (SEE TEXT BELOW)

Robert (”Bob”) William Carlson of Troutdale, OR passed away on May 3, 2022, at the age of 73 years with his wife of 54 years, Jerelyn Carlson, by his side. He was born on January 21, 1949 in Raymond, WA to Florence and Conrad Carlson. Bob graduated from Centennial High School in 1967.

He proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and served for 8 years, including 2-1/2 years in Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic in the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1968-69. He was honorably discharged and was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.
During his time in the Army he married his high school sweetheart, Jerelyn Wagner. They raised their two daughters, Dayna and Kristin, together in Gresham, OR. Bob worked in residential construction for his high school friend where his handy woodworking skills were used. Then he worked in the service industry as a coffee service/repairman for several years. Later in his career, Bob was a coffee and juice salesman.

Bob’s pride and joy was his family, including his four grandchildren: Hunter, Walker, Tyler and Emma. He also enjoyed fishing, traveling, watching his grandkids play sports and attending their various school activities and was always supportive and by their side.
Bob was always the first to volunteer to do handyman work for others and was very generous with his time and skills. He helped people at church, friends, family and anyone he could. He knew a lot about plumbing, electrical and just generally how things worked. Bob was known to frequent nearby casinos and was quite lucky at the slot machines wherever he went. He also volunteered to teach basic wood shop skills to high school students. Bob took pleasure in sharing his wood working knowledge with others.

Once Bob reached retirement age, he re-discovered his love for old cars and started his passion for tinkering on them and attending car shows as often as he could. Bob’s first classic car was a 1955 Ford Fairlane which he nicknamed Flo. His second classic car was a muscle car, a 1966 Ford Mustang. His third classic car was a more modern car, a bright yellow 2000 Plymouth Prowler. His fourth and final car was a 1970 El Camino which he recently took on a 5 day road trip to Redding, CA to attend the Kool April Days car show. He enjoyed the camaraderie with all of the other car show enthusiasts. Bob loved talking about anything car-related. He especially enjoyed showing people his car and all the improvements he had done.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dave Carlson. Bob is survived by his brother, Ray Carlson of Redmond, OR, his wife, Jerelyn, his two daughters, Dayna Wright (and her husband Travis) of Gresham and Kristin Antich (and her husband Steve) of Beaverton, his four grandchildren Hunter & Walker Simmons, Tyler & Emma Antich.

At the end of life, what really matters is not what we bought, but what we built; not what we got, but what we shared; not our competence, but our character; and not our success, but our significance. Live a life that matters. Live a life of love.

Bob will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia (Scholarship Fund) to be sent to:

Ollie Pickral
11th ACVVC
571 Ditchley Road
Kilmarnock, VA 22482

Checks should be payable to “11th ACVVC Scholarship Program.”

Bob’s services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 39901 Pleasant Street, Sandy, OR, 2 pm, May 21st. All Blackhorse Troopers in the Sandy, Portland, Gresham, Tigard, Beaverton and Hillsboro area are urged to attend Bob’s services.

GERALD E ALASKEY

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Date He Passed Away: APRIL 12, 2022
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: A TROOP, 1st SQDN, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1966-67
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Name of Cemetery: WARDVALE LUTHERAN CEMETERY
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Gerald E. Alaskey, 77, of 206 Cushing Avenue, Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania, died Tuesday night, April 12, 2022 at Penn Highlands-DuBois following a short illness. He was born on January 1, 1945 in Ridgway a son to the late Samuel and Ellen Marie Anderson Alaskey.

A lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, Gerald was a 1961 graduate of Johnsonburg High School.

Gerald was a Vietnam War veteran who proudly served his country in A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1966-67.
He was a recipient of the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, 1st Award Marksman w/ rifle bar and Expert M16.

He is survived by his brother Sam Alaskey and his wife Sandra of Ridgway and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Gerald is predeceased by a brother Ronald “Butch” Alaskey and sisters Marian Senior and Katherine Blakesley.

A Funeral Service for Gerald E. Alaskey will be conducted at the Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services Chapel, 401 Chestnut Street, Johnsonburg, on Saturday April 30, 2022 at 11 AM with Rev. Stephen Fair, Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Johnsonburg as celebrant
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Interment will be in Wardvale Lutheran Cemetery, Johnsonburg. There will be no visitation.

Rest in peace Gerald.

JAKE KAPP, JR.

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Date He Passed Away: JANUARY 2, 2022
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: K TROOP, 3rd SQDN, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1968-69
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On January 2, 2022, Jake Kapp Jr. went to be with his father in heaven. Funeral services will be private.

Jake was born northwest of Crystal Springs, ND to Jake Sr. and Mary Gardner on May 24, 1947. He was 74 years old. He graduated Tappen High School in 1966 and proudly served his country in K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1968-69.

Jake worked at Slade Refuge for two years and then was a custodian and bus driver for Steele School in Dawson. He married Winona Kemmet on August 2, 1974. He then started working for Burlington Northern until the time came to devote his time and energy to taking care of his youngest son.

Jake coached many children in baseball for over thirty years including Pee Wee, Babe Ruth and high school baseball and loved every minute of it. He played softball and amateur baseball for many years.

The people left behind to celebrate his life include wife, Winona; sons, Jesse (Lisa), James (Mary), Jon (Sara) and Jace; grandchildren, Ashley Baker, Brandon Baker, Tyler Mittleider, Kandra Kapp, Rosie Kapp and Ellie Kapp; great-grandchildren, Klarity Baker and Emerson Baker; brothers, Ted, Larry and Dale and sisters, Linda and Karen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake Sr and Mary; his brothers, William, Daniel, Clarence, Eugene and infant brother, Walter and his sisters, Lorane and Betty.

Rest in peace Jake

Date He Passed Away: APRIL 7, 2022
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: HOWITZER BATTERY, 2nd SQDN, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1970-71
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Funeral Service Location: RED MOUSE
Date & Time of Funeral Service: JUNE 18, 2022, AT 12 NOON
Street Address & Town / City / State Zip Code: RED MOUSE, 3738 COUNTY ROAD P, PINE BLUFF, OR 53528
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Perry McMahan, age 73, of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, left this earth on Thursday, April 7, 2022, after living a full and productive life.

He was born on Jan. 3, 1949, the son of William and Fern (Hamilton) McMahan. He grew up in the Mount Horeb area and graduated from Mount Horeb High School in 1967. Two years later, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly
served his country as a Section Chief, SGT, E-5 in the Howitzer Battery, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1970-71.

For 42 years, Perry operated West Side Radiator and Auto Repair in Middleton. He took great pride in keeping heavy field equipment operational for farmers in the Waunakee, Middleton, and Mount Horeb area. He also worked with scores of customers over the years to keep their vehicles safe and reliable.

Perry had a natural ability to connect with people; he was a good listener and was easy to talk to. He enjoyed meeting people for the first time and learning about their lives and interests; he also cherished the many friendships he forged over the years with customers, golf buds, Euchre players, pool players, and any number of people he was fortunate to meet along the way.

Family was most important to Perry. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Eith), his high school sweetheart; a trip to Alaska was planned in June to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in August. With his son and best friend, Preston, the two shared many adventures on and off the golf course at Edelweiss Chalet Country Club in New Glarus and on their annual golf trips to Alabama with the “Zander Boys” and friends. Perry admired Preston’s work ethic but none more so than when Preston built his parents a retirement home seven years ago after losing the original house to fire. The light of his life was his daughter, Heather (Vogel); Perry admired Heather for her dedication to her family and the teaching profession. A fun part to having children is the grandchildren that can follow. Perry was looking forward to seeing Ireland perform for the first time at the upcoming UW Varsity Band Concert. Ryleigh was Grandpa’s golf buddy and the twins, Piper and Perri, are active in swimming. At swim meets, Perry got a kick out of hearing the announcer say, “… and in Lane 3 is Perri McMahan.” Perry’s grandchildren in Colorado were also a source of pride; Tristan supplied Grandpa with an endless array of alien and monster drawings, Grandpa and Ethan would often hit the golf courses in Golden, and Aleah was just pure joy. The family is going to miss “Grandpa’s chicken.”

In addition to his family, Perry had a passion for vintage cars. He had many vehicles over the years but his favorites were a 1967 restored Chevy El Camino and an original 1964 Thunderbird convertible. Last summer, Perry spent many a day in the T-Bird, tearin’ out of the driveway with the top down and Patsy Cline lamenting about being out “walkin’ after midnight.”

Two years ago, Perry was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis); he faced it head on with strength and resolve. A special thank you to the Veterans Health Administration and Dr. Michael Hansen and the medical team at UW Health for their care and support during this journey.

Perry was predeceased by his father, William McMahan; mother, Fern (Hamilton) McMahan; step-mother, Esther (Parks) McMahan; brother, Thomas McMahan; nephew, Jason McMahan; father-in-law, Arthur J. Eith; mother-in-law, Matilda (Young) Eith; and brother-in-law, Arthur W. Eith.

He is further survived by his brothers, William McMahan (Deb) and David McMahan (Carol); sisters, Shannon McMahan and Cathy (Mike) Leonard; daughter-in-law, Jennifer McMahan; son-in-law, Zach Vogel; sister-in-law, Lauretta McMahan; sister-in-law, Beth McMahan; brother-in-law, Francis Eith; sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Randy) Peterson; and sister-in-law, Barbara Haase-Eith.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for Perry on Saturday, June 18, 2022, to be held at the RED MOUSE, 3738 County Road P, Pine Bluff, starting at noon. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

All Blackhorse Troopers in the Mount Horeb, Madison area are urged to attend Perry’s services.

Rest in peace Perry.