10/18/2026
John W. “Pig” Perkins, 74, peacefully passed away at the Esther’s House- Center for Hospice Care in Elkhart on Saturday, October 17, 2026 with his loving family by his bedside.
He was born in Martin, Kentucky on February 19, 1952 to Ralph and Emma Jean (Layne) Perkins. Pig’s family would move to Warsaw, Indiana for work in 1965. He would graduate with the class of 1970 from Warsaw High School. He worked at Gardner’s Restaurant in 1968 until choosing to serve in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne from 1971-1974.
During the high school lunch breaks, she would often join her friends in the Gamby’s parking lot. It was there one day that he laid eyes upon the girl he was going to marry, Rhonda S. Whitaker. In Clintwood, Virginia on September 20, 1975, Pig made Rhonda his wife, and they would welcome two boys.
Pig worked for Zimmer for 40 years as a metallographer. In June of 2009, he became a full-time grandpa and golfer. He would golf at every opportunity and every golf course he could. He had family membership for over 20 years at Rozella Golf Couse in Warsaw, often bringing his children with him when they were young or challenging his wife to some holes, in which she got really good and beat him a couple times. The couple enjoyed getting in the car and just driving, and enjoying wherever the car stopped. Some of their favorite memories were on the road and later included their children and grandchildren. If he was not golfing, he was hanging out at The Diner. Pig also loved Kentucky Wildcat Basketball.
Rhonda and he were members of First Free Will Baptist of Kosciusko County. There, they taught Children’s Church, were door greeters, and Pig really enjoyed attending the church’s social events.
He is dearly missed by his wife of 51 years, Rhonda, of Warsaw: his sons, John W. (Shauna) Perkins Jr. of Silver Lake and Kristopher “Kody” Perkins of Warsaw; grandchildren: Paige, Caitlynne, Mason, Tasara, Leianna and Sydney; great-grandchildren: Isaac, Sean and Emy. Also surviving are his siblings: Jackie (John) Driscoll, Donna Burket, Lisa Chaplin and Kevin (Kelli) Perkins; sister and brother-in-law: Kathy Perkins and Don Caudill; numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are several step-brothers and sisters as well as step-nieces and nephews.
Pig was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Ralph Perkins and Toni Caudill.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 2-6 p.m. at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 10 a.m. at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, with Pastor Terry Bradford officiating.
Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, with Military Honors.
Memorial contributions can be made to Center for Hospice Care 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.
