With his beloved wife, Marie Louise Perez, by his side, Richard Perez died peacefully on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The youngest of seven children, he was born in Willows to Frank “Paco” Perez and Cecelia Anna Mumm on December 21, 1932.
He grew up in Glenn County and attended Codora Elementary School before graduating from Princeton High School in 1951. During his high school years, he worked hard to support himself by raising bummer lambs and farming rice.
He also had a passion for sports, playing both football and basketball.
An avid outdoorsman from a young age, he enjoyed late-night goose and duck hunts. One particularly memorable outing resulted in him mistakenly bringing home a swan.
His family fondly recalls their secret signal: If the porch light was on, it meant the game warden was not around, making it safe to return home.
In March of 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as an infantryman during the Korean War. He was also stationed in Hawaii during his service.
While in the Army, he married his high school sweetheart, Marie Louise Gardner, on July 30, 1953.
Known for his frugality and entrepreneurial spirit even then, he cleverly saved money by lending cash to fellow service members – with interest.
After three years of dedicated service, he was honorably discharged and returned home to Glenn.
Back home, he continued his passion for farming. He raised sheep and cultivated sugar beets and rice while working alongside his stepfather, Joe Navarro.
Later, he formed a partnership with his brother, Albert Perez, under the name Perez & Perez. As time went on, he farmed alongside his son, Joe Perez, and nephew, Albert Perez, Jr., passing down his knowledge and love for agriculture to the next generation.
Beyond farming, Richard had a deep love for travel. He and Marie explored the world with their dear friends, Neil and Louella Kennedy.
Among his most cherished trips were visits to Barcelona, Spain, where he connected with his extended family and shared a special bond with his cousin, Maria Perez.
He also found great joy in ocean fishing in Alaska, Fort Bragg, and San Diego, as well as abalone diving in Fort Bragg.
His greatest pride was his family. He demonstrated his love through hard work and unwavering support for his children’s activities, whether it was sports competitions, 4-H projects, camping trips to Fort Bragg, and trips to San Diego and other places with family.
His devotion extended beyond immediate family to nieces, nephews, and countless friends who were touched by his kindness.
A man of faith, he was baptized as a Christian by Pastor Hank Bowen in 1998.
His loved ones agree, “Richard’s legacy of faithfulness to God and dedication to family will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.”
He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Marie; children Suzanne Perez Murphy (Mike), Debra Perez-Kelchlin (Steve), Juanita Perez, and Joe Perez; son-in-law Dennis Anderson; grandchildren Shane and Justin Abold, Chase and Harrison Kelchlin, Shelby Anderson Holland, Jennifer Blosser, Heather Perez, and Samantha Holland; great-grandchildren Trenton and Taylor Abold, Aspen and Ivy Abold, Axel Lineaweaver, and Codie Blosser and Finley Holland; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Adrienne Anderson; and all six of his siblings: Juanita Hutson, Josephine Duncan, Ida Mae Huston, Frank Perez, Joe Donald Perez, and Albert Perez.
A viewing is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, at F.D. Sweet & Son Funeral Home, 114 North Shasta Street, Willows. Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. on Friday, March 21, at the First Baptist Church, 154 North Lassen Street, Willows.
A graveside service is to follow at the Willows Cemetery, with a reception to take place afterward at 1 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 150 South Shasta Street, Willows.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Reformed Church at P.O. Box 225, Willows, CA 95988.
The Glenn County Observer 