Stephen R. "Stevie" Perkins

Stephen Ray "Stevie" Perkins age 60 passed away at the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center in DeKalb. Welcomed into the world on August 21, 1954 in DeKalb, IL, he was the son of Ray "Perk" and Hyla (Varness) Perkins. He left this world into Heaven on May 30, 2015 with his sister by his side.

Born as a "special needs" child with Down Syndrome, his parents were told he wouldn't live past 30-35 years of age. He proved that wrong living to the age of 60. He had a full normal life, never being treated "special", but treated as any other person/sibling. He started school at the age of 6, graduating from Notre Dame Special Ed at the age of 21. After graduating he became part of the Opportunity House Organization. They gave him skills and knowledge to live on his own for several years and work out in the community as a dishwasher/bus boy at several local establishments. The latest and last place being the Uptown Restaurant in Sycamore. He traveled with Abel Trex Disabilities Tours to the Wisconsin Dells as well a few other places. After the aging process, didn't allow him to live in his own apartment anymore, he moved into an OH group home. After not bouncing from Gall Bladder surgery in September 2014, a difficult decision was made to admit him to DCRNC to live out his final life. Stevie is/was a "Die Hard" Cubs fan, coming by that naturally from his dad "Perk". Growing up he went to most Sunday home games at Wrigley Field. Seeing his last Cubs game in person as recent as 4 years ago. He is now at peace, watching the Cubs with his Dad, "Go Cubs Go". His 7 month stay at DCRNC won the hearts of many, in his little antics, smiles, hugs, and stubbornness. His journey to Heaven started Wednesday with his sister by his side, till he took his last breath, something she promised her parents she would do, take care of him till the end and she did.

He is preceded in death by his parents, mom in 1983, and dad in 2004. Both sets of grandparents, several Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He is survived by his loving devoted sister Marla (Chuck) Cradduck, their two children Kristi Marie and Todd Christopher (Bridget), whom he loved so much. Stevie would say they were "my niece, my nephew", along with 5 beautiful great nieces and nephews, Kameron Austin 8, Brooklyn Rae 7, Makenzie Rayne 4, Jordan Jean "JJ" 4, and Devon Ryan 2.

Marla would like to THANK the dedicated and caring staff (to many to mention individually) at DCRNC for the phenomenal job they did caring for Stevie from admission till he took that last breath. Some days he was a handful to say the least. Being admitted into Hospice care, the love and support goes above and beyond, they added that "Extra Special" last of life touch for which I am forever grateful. Tanya RN and Mike CNA where beside us through the whole journey, Family and Friends the journey is over, I will miss him more than I can say, but life goes on and I can't say "THANK YOU" enough.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday June 3, 2015 at 7:00PM in the Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home with Pastor Joseph Gastiger officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday June 3, 2015 from 5:00PM till the time of the service in the funeral home. Cremation will follow services at the Finch Crematory. To send an online condolence visit: www.ronanmoorefinch.com . Arrangements were entrusted to: Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.