1922
Tarver
2015
Tarver Perkins
October 3, 1922 — March 4, 2015
Tarver "Cy" O. Perkins, 92, of Geneseo, IL, died Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at Rosewood Care Center, Moline, IL.
Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and there will be no services. Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tarver was born on October 3, 1922, in Memphis, TN, the son of Clifton A. and Willie Lee Tarver Perkins, and raised in Lorain, OH. In 1940, he graduated from Clearview High School, where he became two-time Ohio class B state mile champion. He then received a track scholarship to attend Northern Illinois State Teachers College in DeKalb, IL.
His education was interrupted by World War II, and he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Pharmacists Mate Second Class from 1943-1946. Upon returning to college, he earned his Bachelors of Science in Education degree in 1947.
During this time, Cy enjoyed an outstanding track career. In 1947, he won a berth on the United States A.A.U. team and was co-captain with Bob Richards. He set a track record at Bislet Stadium in Oslo, Norway, where he ran the third fastest 800 meters in the world at 1:50. At Vaxvo, Sweden, he set the American record for the 1000 meters at 1:50.4.
In 1948, Cy was ranked No. 10 in the world for the 800 meters by Track & Field News. During the same year, he placed fourth for the 800 meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials and missed third place by inches for the final Olympic team berth. This event was featured in the July 19, 1948 issue of Life Magazine.
He was inducted into the Northern Illinois University Hall of Fame in 1985, the Clearview High School and the Lorain County Hall of Fames.
Tarver married Cynthia Flinn Lenzen on March 3, 1978, in Peoria, Illinois. In 1981, he was transferred to the Geneseo area by Service Transportation Lines where he held the position of General Traffic Manager until 1985. He established Perkins Transportation Agency and retired in 2000.
Survivors include his loving wife, Cynthia
Children Scott A. Perkins Sioux Falls, SD
Rachael A. Perkins Las Vegas, NV
Gretchen M. Evans Pekin, IL
Gail A. Willmore Phoenix, AZ
Adrienne T. Perkins Hanover, NH
5 grandchildren
Sister Rosa O. Perkins Lorain, OH
He was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife, Pamela (Reynolds) Perkins, of Peoria, IL; brother, Clifton A. Perkins; sister-in-law, Marian Perkins, Avon Lake, OH; sister, Hazelle Perkins, Lorain, OH.
Online condolences may be left for his family by visiting esterdahl.com.
Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and there will be no services. Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tarver was born on October 3, 1922, in Memphis, TN, the son of Clifton A. and Willie Lee Tarver Perkins, and raised in Lorain, OH. In 1940, he graduated from Clearview High School, where he became two-time Ohio class B state mile champion. He then received a track scholarship to attend Northern Illinois State Teachers College in DeKalb, IL.
His education was interrupted by World War II, and he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Pharmacists Mate Second Class from 1943-1946. Upon returning to college, he earned his Bachelors of Science in Education degree in 1947.
During this time, Cy enjoyed an outstanding track career. In 1947, he won a berth on the United States A.A.U. team and was co-captain with Bob Richards. He set a track record at Bislet Stadium in Oslo, Norway, where he ran the third fastest 800 meters in the world at 1:50. At Vaxvo, Sweden, he set the American record for the 1000 meters at 1:50.4.
In 1948, Cy was ranked No. 10 in the world for the 800 meters by Track & Field News. During the same year, he placed fourth for the 800 meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials and missed third place by inches for the final Olympic team berth. This event was featured in the July 19, 1948 issue of Life Magazine.
He was inducted into the Northern Illinois University Hall of Fame in 1985, the Clearview High School and the Lorain County Hall of Fames.
Tarver married Cynthia Flinn Lenzen on March 3, 1978, in Peoria, Illinois. In 1981, he was transferred to the Geneseo area by Service Transportation Lines where he held the position of General Traffic Manager until 1985. He established Perkins Transportation Agency and retired in 2000.
Survivors include his loving wife, Cynthia
Children Scott A. Perkins Sioux Falls, SD
Rachael A. Perkins Las Vegas, NV
Gretchen M. Evans Pekin, IL
Gail A. Willmore Phoenix, AZ
Adrienne T. Perkins Hanover, NH
5 grandchildren
Sister Rosa O. Perkins Lorain, OH
He was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife, Pamela (Reynolds) Perkins, of Peoria, IL; brother, Clifton A. Perkins; sister-in-law, Marian Perkins, Avon Lake, OH; sister, Hazelle Perkins, Lorain, OH.
Online condolences may be left for his family by visiting esterdahl.com.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Tarver Perkins, please visit our flower store.
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