Perry Thomas Kimrey, age 95, passed away peacefully in his home on July 25, 2025, in Roby, Missouri. He was born on May 1, 1930, at the family farm on Roubidoux near Plato, Missouri, to Tom and Sallie (Groves) Kimrey.
Growing up as one of 14 children, Perry enjoyed fishing on Roubidoux with his brothers, especially Edd. If it bit the hook, it was big enough to keep because “it had sides.” These fish became known as “Perry and Edd fish.” At a young age, he was saved and baptized in the Roubidoux with two of his siblings.
Perry graduated from Plato High School in the class of 1949. After graduation, he enjoyed refereeing basketball games. He also worked on a farm in northern Missouri, a furniture factory in Roby and drove a taxi on Fort Leonard Wood. In 1961, he began working for Intercounty Electric. His first day on the job he dug holes for electrical poles with a pair of slap jacks and a crowbar making $0.25 an hour. As a dedicated employee, he would answer the call to restore electricity to the community in all types of weather at all hours of the day and night. He retired after 31 years at the age of 62.
Perry was united in marriage to Neoma Ruth Crews on May 10, 1958. To this union was born three children: Terry Joe, Jerry Dale and Sherry Lynn. Together as a family, they enjoyed camping, boating, fishing and hunting. Perry enjoyed all things outdoors and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their various activities.
Perry is survived by his sons, Terry Kimrey (TJ) of Cabool and Jerry (Marietta) Kimrey of Lebanon, Missouri; daughter, Sherry (Rick) Lathrop of Lebanon, MO; six grandchildren, Dustin (Alissa) Kimrey, Keisha Kimrey (Stetson), Adam (Jana) Kimrey, Ashley (Nathan) Pospisil, Travis Lathrop (Tracy) and Colby Lathrop; 12 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Sallie Kimrey; wife, Neoma of 48 years; brothers, Roy, Dave, Robert, Russell, Edd, Paul and Charles; sisters, Mildred, Fern, Cora, Faye, Betty and Charlene; and granddaughter, Kerry Lane Pendleton.
Perry lived life to the fullest, hunting and fishing until the very end. He will be missed dearly by all family and friends.
A visitation for Perry will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2025, at Plato Christian Church. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Plato Christian Church with Rev. Craig Perry officiating. Interment will follow at Long Hollow Cemetery. Pallbearers are Dustin Kimrey, Colby Lathrop, Adam Kimrey, Travis Lathrop, Joel Kimrey and Nathan Pospisil. Arrangements entrusted to Evans Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.evansfh.com. Memorial contributions in Perry’s name may be made to Long Hollow Cemetery.
