VAN WERT, Ohio — David Eugene Perry, 94, previously of Van Wert, passed from this life on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Novi, Michigan. His wife of nearly 71 years, Virginia Rosalie Mavis Perry, preceded him in death on March 15, 2023.
David was born in Van Wert on Aug. 20, 1930, to Calvin Eugene and Geraldine Gabriel Perry. The seventh generation of his family to live in Van Wert, he graduated from Van Wert High School in 1948. Rosalie was born in Van Wert on Sept. 12, 1930, to Loren Friend and Margaret Hoover Mavis. She spent most of her early years in Grover Hill, Ohio, but returned to Van Wert where she graduated from Van Wert High School in 1948. David and Rosalie started dating in high school and went on to become life-long partners.
After high school, David and Rosalie both attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where David earned a degree in chemistry and Rosalie, a degree in education. David and Rosalie were married on June 22, 1952, and when David returned from active service in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, they moved back to Van Wert. David worked as a research chemist for Continental Can and National Seal in Van Wert, and Rosalie taught elementary school. When David was transferred with Federal Mogul, the family moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and then Farmington, Michigan. While in Michigan, David and Rosalie both earned master’s degrees from The University of Michigan, and Rosalie continued to teach elementary school in Farmington. David also served with the Air Force Reserve for over 21 years, retiring as a major.
In retirement, David and Rosalie split their time between Michigan and Green Valley, Arizona, eventually moving to the Fox Run Retirement Community in Novi, Michigan where they spent their final years.
David and Rosalie were preceded in death by their parents and Rosalie’s brother, Richard Hoover Mavis and his wife, Rita Montgomery Mavis. They are survived by their children, Susan Barbara Perry (Stanley Goodyear), Virginia Perry (Robert) Donald, and John David (Lisa) Perry. They also leave behind seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
David and Rosalie were laid to rest with Rosalie’s parents and extended family at the Cooper-Haines Cemetery in Paulding, Ohio.
