Keith Wayne Perkins

Keith Wayne Perkins (91) returned to his Heavenly Parents surrounded by his family on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Keith was born on January 5, 1934, the 2nd son of Gene and Gertrude Perkins. He was reared in Mesa, Duncan, and Safford, Arizona. Moving back to Mesa his senior year, he learned the art of photography, taking photos for the school yearbook, something that became a lifelong hobby. After graduating from Mesa High School, he served a mission to the North Central States. He later attended Arizona State University and then Brigham Young University, where he received his PhD. He also served his country as a captain in the United States Air Force.

In 1957, Keith married the beautiful Vella Crowther, and they are the parents to three daughters and one son and have two foster children. They settled in Orem, Utah, which has been their home for many years.

He has been a beloved teacher throughout his life, first in Seminary and Institute and then at BYU as a Professor and Chairman of the department of Church History and Doctrine with a specialty in the history of the Church in Kirtland, Ohio. He is the author of several books and developed the first home study course at BYU and the early Gospel digital database. Much of the Perkins family history, from audio and digital recordings to photos, research, writings, and more, are in large part thanks to Keith.

He served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Bishop, Stake President, and as a Temple Sealer. He also served for many years on the correlation committee for the Church. Through his work, he had the opportunity to meet and know many of the Presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ, taking many leaders on tours of church history sites. He and his dear companion Vella have served missions together in Nauvoo, Kirtland, the Provo MTC, and BYU Hawaii. He wrote a few years back that, "Above all, to be sealed (to my family) is a blessing that is impossible for me to fully appreciate. Yet I know that if I am faithful and endure in faith to the end, I will be united to them throughout all eternity. That is my goal and great desire."

He is survived by his wife Vella, his daughters Annette (Sheldon), Valene (Bryan), Denise (Robert), and son Michael (April). Keith and Vella’s greatest joy is their 12 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his dear brother Melvin.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 5th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Orem Stake Center, 80 South 280 East, Orem, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 6th, at 11:00 AM with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:45 AM also at the Orem Stake Center. Interment will follow services at the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem, Utah.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.