Richard Perez

Turlock resident, Richard Perez passed away peacefully, Sunday, April 6, surrounded by his family. He was born September 17, 1945 to Jose G. Perez and Maria T. De Hoyos in Camp Blanding, Florida, where his father was serving in the U.S. Army. Richard was raised in Laredo, Texas until the age of 13. Shortly after the death of his father, the family of five moved to Wesley, CA. Terry (Mom) and her four kids- Richard, his older brother Jose, younger brother Danny, and only sister Diana- worked the fields to provide for the family. Richard attended Grayson Elementary and Patterson High School. It was in elementary school that he met the love of his life, Irma Perez. Their young love would blossom into a marriage that was one day shy of celebrating 47 years together. Irma being grounded in her Apostolic faith introduced Richard to the Lord on February 6, 1962. He accepted the Lord as his personal Savior and was baptized in Jesus’s name by Rev. Jesus Valdez in Tracy, CA. Richard & Irma married on April 7, 1967 and from their union God blessed them with three children; Leticia Perez-Salas, Elsa Perez-Cordova, and Richard Perez II. They lived in Grayson until 1976 and then moved to Turlock. All the while, Richard was assisting Rev. Raul Meza at the Turlock Apostolic Church. He acted as Assistant Pastor, Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Pastor, Counselor, and much more. There were no measurable limits for Richard when it came to serving the Lord. His love for the church as well as his home made him the first to arrive and the last to leave. Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a medic from June of 1967 to September of 1969. His honorable mentions were a National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Sharp Shooter M-14. He was very proud to serve our country and proud of his father and brother, who also served. After service to his country, Richard attended Modesto Junior College from 1972 to 1975, nearly earning an Associate of Arts degree in Sociology. He also studied Theology at Golden Valley Bible College in Stockton, CA. His willingness to know more about God and the bible was endless. What gave Richard joy was his love for the word of God and his desire to share his knowledge and grow someone else spiritually. In his personal life Richard dedicated 33 years to Stanislaus County Parks & Recreation where he served as a Park Supervisor. He enjoyed his job with his work buddies, Ignacio "Nacho", Rosendo "Rosie,” and Paul. It was impossible to meet Richard and not take a quick liking to him, his humor and laughter was contagious, his sincere desire to help a friend was genuine. Richard was the kind of man who made you feel welcome in his home and being around him. Richard was a man of noble character a person with real intentions to be of service wherever it was needed. Richard enjoyed hunting and camping, often taking one of his brothers-in-law or one of his Sunday School students. He loved to travel and visited over 30 countries, taking his grandkids and family to Hawaii and on numerous camping trips. Richard was set aside to the ministry in Albuquerque, New Mexico and a year later ordained to the ministry in San Jose, CA. His favorite past time was letting his “ABC” girls fix his hair and draw tattoos on his arms as he napped on the sofa, or driving his grandson, Ben, to his infamous band practices. His hierarchy was Love of God, first and foremost, Love of Family, and Love of Country! This priceless gift he shared with everyone he knew and loved. Richard leaves behind his wife, Irma Perez, their children, Leticia Perez-Salas, Elsa Perez-Cordova, and Richard Perez II, three granddaughters, Alyssa, Brittany, and Camryn Salas, and one grandson Benjamin Perez-Gordy. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, Tata, brother-in-law, father-in-law, and servant of Christ. An evening service will be held Friday, April 11 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, April 12, at 11:00 a.m. at the Turlock Apostolic Church, 232 Lander Ave., with a horse drawn hearse processional to the interment in Turlock Memorial Park.

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Richard Perez

September 17, 1945 - April 6, 2014