Tom passed peacefully one week after celebrating his 97th birthday. He was born in New Monterey to Thomas V. &amp; Mabel Perkins. He graduated from Monterey Union High in 1944. Tom went to work for the California Dept of Forestry in the summer of '43, and worked for CDF for 40+ years, retiring in 1986 as Ranger-In-Charge of the San Benito/Monterey Ranger Unit. From 1977-1986 he was Monterey County Fire Warden.<br><br>Tom joined the Army in 1944 and was a Combat Infantry Man during WWII, serving in the 7th Infantry Division during the battle of Okinawa from April 10, 1945-June 23, 1945. He served 14 months during the occupation of Korea and was discharged as an S.F.C. He returned to the CDF in 1946, as a Foreman in the Santa Clara Ranger Unit. In 1950, he was called back to service during the Korean War, serving an additional 14 months.<br><br>Between active duty and being a Reserve, Tom spent 15 years in the Army, being discharged as an Infantry M/SGT. Tom was a Life Member of the VFW and American Legion, serving as Commander of VFW Post #6042 (Mariposa) &amp; VFW Post #6747 (King City).<br><br>Following retirement from the CDF in 1986, Tom served on the City of King Council from 1987-1990. He served on the Monterey County Board of Supervisors from 1990-1999, being Chairman of the Board in 1995. He served on the Local Agency Formation Committee (LAF- CO) for 16 years, was on the Board of Directors of the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) for 6 years, and was on the King City Cemetery District Board of Directors for 8 years.<br><br>Tom is survived by Carol Perkins, his 2nd wife, and daughters Lesli Rauch (Mike), Patricia Challburg (Bob); sons Jeff Perkins (Mary), Greg Perkins (Terry) and Joe Perkins ( Janie). He has 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Gonzales Perkins, and son, Thomas Rick Perkins (Susan). Tom was a lifelong Forty Niner fan, holding season tickets for over 50 years. The Neptune Society is handling cremation of his remains.<br><br>A celebration of life will be planned for this summer.<div></div><br>