Van "Hat Man" Perkins

Van, what a wonderful brother we have lost and how very badly we will miss you! We realize u are so happy now and also realize that we are praying for Gracie, one of the most loving, dedicated wivies we have ever known! We love u both so much and one day we will see each other again !

Gracie Baby:
We are so sorry we could not be here with you for the services. But, we were with you all the way in our thoughts, our prayers and our wonderful memories of both of you. I, Becky, remember you and then Van as neighbors long before I became Becky Ford. When we bought Thirsty's, we could not have done it without you at the helm. Paul already knew you from Thirsty's but, that was the beginning of a lot of great memories for me. We know it has been so hard for both of you the past few years. But, hopefully, you will find strength and courage from your memories and the support we know you had from Hatman in whatever you wanted to do.
We know he would want you to pick up the pieces and move forward with a smile on your face and to draw strength from all of us who loved him and know how he would have wanted your life to be. We are here for you and hope you will call on us. We love yoiu!

Paul and Becky and all of your friends at Thirsty's

My deepest condolences to the family. When words cannot express our sorrow for the current situation, we can only look back with nostalgia to the days when we all were young. I enjoyed Van's gumbo many times when he owned the restaurant in Beaumont, and we'd get around to NHS football memories. He always got a kick out of the story I told about him and his brother, D.D. A year younger than D.D. and a year older than Van, I played offensive center and snapped the ball to both of them at various times when they were quarterbacks. D.D. would almost push me over the line and off-sides. Van would let me stay on-side until the play began. I can still see him laughing about that, and his picture in the hat is perfect. He was a great guy, and I share your sorrow.

We are sorry we are unable to attend the services as we are in South Carolina. God Bless You and Your family.

Mark,
I wish I had know before today that your dad had passed.
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I always loved your dad!
Jennifer Blackwell

Gracie, our prayers are with you. We will surely miss Van.

didn't know,i am sorry,will miss that good attitude,and grin.

Thanks for the memories, Hat Man. During all of the great times that we have had, you were always kind, always cheerful and always fun. You will be remembered fondly. Rest in Peace my friend.

We hold you close in our thoughts and prayers.

James & Jeanne May

We hold you close in our thoughts and prayers.