Robert LaVoyle Perry was born on April 19, 1931, to Frank and Bertha Perry in White River, SD.  He attended school in White River, graduating in May of 1950.  After graduation he worked for his sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Fred Samuelson at Samuelson Motors.

Robert enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on January 2, 1951, and was discharged on December 2, 1954, and returned to White River.  He married Berneice (Tootie) Best on August 14, 1955, and became stepfather to Raymond, Glenyce and Mary Jo Best.  To this union Robert and Tootie had two sons Bobby and Richard.

In October of 1966 the family moved to California, settling in Buena Park.  Robert was employed by McDonald-Douglas Aircraft.  While employed at McDonald-Douglas he worked on the A-4 Skyhawk fighter jet.  Robert was also a master mechanic and worked for several car dealerships throughout the area.   In May of 1978 Robert and Tootie decided it was time to return to South Dakota.

Tootie passed away on December 28, 1986.  On December 2, 2005, he married Norma Wisdom, continuing to make their home in Spearfish, SD.  Robert passed away on December 6, 2024, at the Fort Meade VA medical Center.   He is preceded in death by his first wife Berneice, son Bobby, three sisters Norma, Phyllis and Lois, a brother Frank, grandson Richard and granddaughter Karmen.

He is survived by his wife Norma, son Richard (Madonna) of Spearfish and sister Lynette Frederickson of Rapid City.  He is also survived by five stepchildren.  Glenyce Stoner of Highland Ranch, Co Mary Jo Gassman of Scarville, IA Ray Best of Spring, TX Opal Hunt of Cheyenne, WY and Pam Anderson of Wichita, KS.

Robert loved to sing and is singing tenor with God's heavenly choir.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the United Methodist Church in Spearfish, SD.  Burial with full military honors will follow in Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel.