Richard Pershall

Richard Eugene "Gene" Pershall, 91, passed away on September 28, 2023, in Lubbock Texas. He was freed of his earthly trials to be united with his Lord and Savior.

Gene was born in Clay Center, Kansas to Robert Dean Pershall and Della May (Knight) Pershall on March 1st, 1932. Gene spent most of his formative years in Clay Center, Kansas. In 1947, at the age of 15, he joined the Army Air Corp and was stationed in Alaska and Texas. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1950. He came home to his family who then resided in Clovis, NM where he met his wife, Margaret Petty, and married May 5, 1951.

Gene worked as a machinist for the railroad for a bit, then they moved to Bethany, Oklahoma where he attended Bethany Peniel College and earned his Bachelor's degree in Education and celebrated the birth of their son, Kim. After completing his education, he taught elementary school and Jr. High school. During this time, he earned his Master's degree in Administration and celebrated the birth of his daughter Kaye. He soon became a Principal, and eventually Superintendent at various locations.

Gene was a great educator, and his life and leadership positively influenced many students, as well as teachers and colleagues. He enjoyed buying, rebuilding, and selling cars. Gene also loved to travel and enjoyed friends and family in his travels. Gene also loved Bonita Park Nazarene campground near Alto, NM and spent many summers volunteering his service there. He and Margaret also cherished 25 years of wintering in Yuma, AZ. He was always the source of fun wherever he was, creating joy and laughter and always making new friends. He loved God and he loved people. He will be missed by so many families and friends but is now in the arms of Jesus.

Gene was preceded in death by his father Robert D. Pershall and his mother, Della M. (Knight) Pershall. He is also preceded in death by eight siblings, Thelma (Pershall) Bisenius, Wayne Pershall, Bob Pershall, Helen (Pershall) Stewart, Harold Pershall, Charles Pershall, Larry Pershall, and James Pershall.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Margaret (Petty) Pershall. She will desperately miss him but is thankful that they will reunite in heaven someday. Gene is also survived by his son, Dr. Kim Eugene Pershall (Holly J. Tyson) of Lubbock, Texas and his daughter, Lanita Kaye (Pershall) VanArsdale (Ronald V. VanArsdale II) of Shalimar, Florida. Grandchildren are as follows, Sarah Elizabeth (Pershall) Barkocy (Joe Barkocy), Allyssa J'nae VanArsdale, Clayton Vinson VanArsdale (Caroline VanArsdale). His great-grandchildren are Callan Joseph Barkocy, Westin Carter Barkocy, Austyn Margaret Barkocy, and Marshall Garrett VanArsdale. He is also survived by his sister Vera (Pershall) Cevoli, brother Merle Pershall, brother Forrest Pershall, sister Patty (Pershall) Milam and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Daddy, Papa, Brother, Uncle, and Friend, we all love you! We will miss you, but we will see you when we get there!

Memorial services will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Living Stones Church of the Nazarene in Clovis, New Mexico. While we do mourn his loss, we will honor his memory in this way and celebrate a life well-lived!