Perry Don Kegley of Fredericktown, Missouri, passed away Monday, March 29, 2021, at Madison Medical Center in Fredericktown, Missouri, at the age of 82 years.

He was born January 18, 1939, at Clarkton, Missouri, to the late James Odell and Lela (Shelton) Kegley.  He married Carolyn Theresa Ward on May 4, 1962, at the United Methodist Church in Fredericktown, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and one daughter, Kathy Lynn (Anthony) Walker. Also surviving him are two brothers, James Myron (Shirley) Kegley of Sikeston, Missouri and Darwyn Kegley of Fredericktown, Missouri and one sister, Joann (Wallace) Christian of Florissant, Missouri and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ron and Janet Ward of Fredericktown, Missouri. He is also survived by three nephews, Scott (Paula) Christian, Kelly (Beth) Christian and Eric (Anna) Kegley and three nieces, Julie (Dereck) Buford, Rhonda (David) White and Janell (Travis) Rehkop and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister-in-law, Judith Ann Kegley.

Perry was a 1957 graduate of Campbell High School. He was an All-State high school basketball player. In his high school career, he scored 2216 points in 103 games. This was achieved before three-point baskets existed. His record was finally broken in 2021.  He continued to have a lifelong love for sports and was very supportive of the school athletic programs.

He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia on a basketball scholarship but soon moved back south when Southeast Missouri State University agreed to match his scholarship. He played his junior and senior years at SEMO. His senior year the SEMO basketball team traveled to the national tournament, finishing as runners-up to the national champions. Perry graduated from SEMO on May 22, 1961, with a B.S. Degree in Education with majors in physical education and social science. He also completed the certification for Driver Education from Arkansas State College in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Later he received his Masters Degree at SIU Carbondale. Perry joined the National Guard and received an  honorable discharge in 1962.

Perry began his teaching career at Fredericktown High School in 1961. He was employed as a Driver's Education instructor and head basketball coach. Perry and his 1970-71 basketball team are responsible for the only state basketball banner hanging on the wall in the Fredericktown High School, along with several District Championships.

He served as Athletic Director, assistant to the Superintendent as Transportation Coordinator and later Middle School Principal.  He was a kind and fair principal and was a great influence on the lives of many students who passed through the halls of the Fredericktown School District.

Perry enjoyed working on his farm with his brother, brother-in-law, and his wonderful son-in-law Tony.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church and served as an usher for many years. He was also a Lifelong Member of the Missouri Retired Teachers' Association and Lifetime Member of the Madison County Retired School Personnel.

Perry had a warm, outgoing personality and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.