Jesse Lee Perkins, 86, of Westport, passed away at 10:49 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus. He was born on October 8, 1935 in Columbus, the son of Rufus Lee and Regency (Hook) Perkins.
He had been a Decatur County resident since 1941 and was a 1954 graduate of Jackson Township High School. He had retired from Cummins Engine Company after 35 years of service. He was a member of the Sardinia Baptist Church, the Westport Masonic Lodge #124, the former Meredith Low American Legion Post #134 and currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Westport Volunteer Fire Department. He had served with the Air Force Reserves. Lee enjoyed fishing. He married Nancy Ann Ponsler on December 30, 1988 in Westport. She preceded him in death on May 9, 2006. Survivor include his daughter, Stacy (Ron) Collins of North Vernon; son, Scott (Annette) Perkins of Westport; step daughters, Dana Rouse of North Carolina and Dina (Tony) Sherrill of North Vernon; 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Stephen Ray Perkins and his sister, Martha Sebestian. Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at the Bass & Gasper Funeral Home in Westport with Rev. Tom Rust officiating with cremation to follow. An ice cream social will follow the service at the Sardinia Baptist Church. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to the Sardinia Baptist Church, the Westport Volunteer Fire Department or Our Hospice. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com