Grant James Perkins, 23, Sweetser, passed away at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30, 2017. He was born in Fort Wayne on September 11, 1993, to Greg and Bobbie (Gressly) Perkins.
In 2012, Grant graduated from Oak Hill High School. He loved the competition of athletics and played football, basketball, and ran track. Following high school, he accepted a scholarship to play football at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. He loved his teammates and played all four years. After graduating from Olivet in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, Grant was accepted as a full-time student into the transition to nursing program at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion.
While attending school, Grant was a part-time substitute teacher at Oak Hill, and he previously worked as a waiter at Buffalo Wild Wings and a lifeguard at the Splash House, both in Marion. He currently attended College Wesleyan Church and formerly attended Converse Church of Christ.
Grant was very passionate about his conservative beliefs. He believed strongly in the issues of politics, religious liberty, biblical marriage, and the rights of unborn babies.
Grant loved being outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, camping, fishing, and scuba diving. He also enjoyed weight lifting, working out, and hanging out with his friends. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, who loved him dearly. He will be deeply missed by many!
He is survived by his parents, Greg (Bobbie) Perkins, Sweetser; sister, Brittany (Pat) Eckhardt, Fishers; brother, Jared Perkins, Hat Yai, Thailand; nieces, Finley and Ellery Eckhardt, both from Fishers; nephew, Hudson Eckhardt, Fishers; aunts and uncles, Sherri (Mike) Pettit, Sweetser, Brenda (Jeff) Hovermale, Marion, Jeannine (Kent) Hoover, Noblesville, Pam (Phil) Erdos, Mercer, Pennsylvania, and Keith (Molly) Gressly, Lebanon, Ohio; and many cousins, and friends.
Grant was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Grady (Lucille) Perkins, and maternal grandparents, Frank (Lorraine) Gressly.
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, September 4, 2017, at College Wesleyan Church, 200 E. 38th St., Marion, IN. Pastor Rob Schwarze will be officiating.
A private burial service will take place on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at Converse Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be sent to FBO: Grant Perkins, First Farmer’s Bank and Trust, 123 N. Jefferson St., Converse, IN 46919. All donations will be sent to Christian organizations supporting the rights and the care of unborn babies.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.