4/4/1943 – 2/2/2025
Lawrence
Jose Rafael Perez, 81, was sent to his eternal home on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. Services will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Thursday, February 13th at 12:00pm.
Mr. Perez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He moved to Kansas in the 1950s with his family when his father, US Army Lt. Colonel Perez, was transferred to the Fort Leavenworth military base. He graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1961 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Emporia University in 1966. Jose was a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas City, Lawrence, and Topeka.
Known for his many talents, Jose’s professional life was dedicated to retail management, where he worked in leadership positions for Montgomery Wards, JCPenney, and Walmart. In his younger years, Jose was an incredible athlete, participating in track, baseball, and tennis, in addition to JROTC. As an adult, he loved to collect and restore cars, dance, cook, and spend time with family. Jose will most be remembered for his affinity for music and passed this love onto his children. A man of faith, he was deeply rooted in his belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Jose is survived by his children, Brian Perez and wife Stephanie (Kansas City, Kansas), Bradley Perez (Topeka, Kansas), Alisa Perez (Phoenix, Arizona), Jason Perez (Katy, Texas), Jennifer Perez Bessolo and husband Michael Bessolo (Lawrence, Kansas), Jaimes Perez and wife Lauren Perez (Lawrence, Kansas), Megan Perez Jordan and husband Brody Jordan (Topeka, KS); his 7 grandchildren: Perri Rinker (30), Kyra Perez (18), Natalie Perez (12), Michael Perez (8), Easton Bessolo (8), Bentley Bessolo (4), Mateo Jordan (11 months) and great-granddaughter Emilia (8).
Other survivors include sisters Ms. Nydia Perez and Mrs. Ivonne Mauton, both from Leavenworth, Kansas, former wife Kathy Jones (Topeka, Kansas), former wife Patricia Brenton (Lawrence, Kansas), and former partner Cindy Miller (Topeka, Kansas).
Jose was preceded in death by his dear parents, Lt. Colonel Rafael Perez-Garcia and Juanita (Jennie) Perez Velazquez and older brother Rafael (Ray) Perez Jr.
A visitation will take place from 10:30am-12:00pm on Thursday, February 13th, 2025 at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044, with his service at 12:00pm. Graveside services will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery at 517 E 15th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.
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