Terry Perk

Lyle Terry Perk, 85, Kalamazoo, MI. 01/17/2021. Born April 26th, 1935 to Lyle and Gladys (Snell) Perk, he passed away on 01/17/2021. Known to all his friends as Terry, he grew up on the East side of Kalamazoo. He attended Brucker Elementary, St. Mary's, and Roosevelt Junior High School. At the age of 13, his dad built him a go-cart, a project they worked on closely together. This sparked and interest in all things automotive, which served him well later in life. It was this close relationship with his father that turned him into not only an excellent mechanic, but a star athlete. Terry attended Kalamazoo Central High School, excelled in football and was elected Football King in 1952. It was during his high school years when he met the love of his life, Marilyn Mattison. Shortly after graduating in the summer of 1953, they were married on July 3rd in Alpena, Michigan, Marilyn's hometown. Terry began working at KVP in the print department. Later he moved on to H.J. Cooper's in Kalamazoo as an automobile mechanic. In 1959, he went into business for himself, purchasing Van's Body Shop. He later started Kalamazoo's first automotive rustproofing businesses. Ziebart and Tuff-Kote Dinol. After moving to Plainwell in 1975, he founded Perk Enterprises and in 1981 he purchased the 131 Drive-In Theatre, where he established Perk Auto Parts & Salvage. Terry is survived by his wife Marilyn Perk, 4 Sons, Dave Perk, Doug (Jane) Perk, Joe (Michelle) Perk, and Barry (Kim) Perk. He was preceded in Death by his son Mark Perk (08/30/2017). Terry is survived by his brother Phil Perk. Terry has 2 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Cremation has occurred. Memorial Services will be privately held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Kairos Dwelling Home or charity of your choice. Terry impacted the lives of many people that he touched during his lifetime. He always looked above and beyond himself in the service of others. While at Terry's webpage at www.avinkcremation.com please take time to sign his guestbook by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory with his family. The family is being assisted by Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 679-5622.