Chris Perkins

Christopher Mark Perkins, 64, of Dallas, passed away at his home on Saturday, May 13, 2023. He was born on December 19, 1958, in Dallas, Texas, the son of Donald Durwood Perkins and Katherine Ann Kernion Perkins.  A visitation will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Commerce Funeral Home in Commerce.  The funeral service is Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.  Interment will immediately follow at Brigham Cemetery.

Chris grew up in Lone Oak, Texas. He graduated from Lone Oak High School with the class of 1977. While in high school, he played football and ran track, going to the regional meet twice. He was class salutatorian, senior class president and played the clarinet in the band. He was also very involved in the boy scouts. The motto “Be Prepared” was found true in Chris. Classmates called him “Packy” because he always had his military jacket pockets full of pens, pencils, nail clippers, files, candy…you name it! After high school, Chris attended Criswell College in Dallas, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree, Cum Laude. He later earned his Master’s degree from Amber University. When Chris was 22 years old, he became pastor of Durham Baptist Church near Wolfe City, Texas.

On September 1, 1990, Chris married the love of his life, Martha Fritzner, at Fellowship Bible Church-Park Cities, with Bret Avlakeotes officiating. Chris and Martha attended fellowship for many years, serving in numerous roles. Chris mentored many younger Christians. Recently, Chris and Martha enjoyed attending Eastside Community Church near their home. Chris was a devout Christian. He taught bible studies in his home for seven years. As a husband, and in all he did, he was protective, considerate, kind, and generous. His hobbies included playing the saxophone, fishing, playing chess and “going deep” in bible study.

Chris worked at AT&T for many years in IT developing written materials/manuals for new equipment.  Chris was employed as a business analyst at UT Southwestern for the past 15 years until his death.  As a manager, Chris was patient and kind as he helped employees grow in their roles.

Left to cherish Chris’s memory are his loving wife, Martha; brothers, Mike Perkins and wife, Karen, Russell Perkins and wife, Penny; sisters, Donna Kay Wilson and husband, Tony, and Kim Kimberlin and husband, Chuck; bonus mom, Sue Marlar, and nephew Cesar Martinez Fitzner, who is coming from Mexico to be with his Aunt Martha.

Chris is preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Gasser, father, Durwood Perkins, and brother, Randy Perkins.

Serving as Pallbearers are Cory Vance, Tony Wilson, Josh Perkins, Chuck Kimberlin, Jacob Perkins, and Casey Perkins.  Honorary Pallbearer is Cesar Martinez Fitzner.