Melvin Eugene 'Slim' Perrigo
Melvin Eugene "Slim" Perrigo of Columbia died Friday, Oct. 8, 2010. He was 77.
He was born Aug. 15, 1933, in Boone County to Ernie and Opal Coats-Perrigo.
Mr. Perrigo worked as a union painter for more than 40 years, and retired as a master painter. His daughter-in-law, Terry Perrigo, said he had amazing house painting skills.
“He was probably one of the best in the area,” she said. “The demand for his work was phenomenal.”
For some years, Mr. Perrigo ran his own painting business in Lancaster, Calif. He had several government contracts at an air base in Lancaster during that period as well.
Mr. Perrigo was popularly known as “Slim.” He got the nickname because he was 6 feet 4 inches tall and skinny, and was rarely ever called by his real name. He enjoyed walking, socializing and having a good cup of coffee.
“He would often be invited to parties by his neighbors,” Terry Perrigo said. “All the ladies loved him.”
Terry Perrigo said Mr. Perrigo loved animals. Mr. Perrigo was fond of buying farm animals, especially horses and cows. He was also a very charitable person.
“He was always ready to help people,” Terry Perrigo said. “I swear he could give anybody even his last dollar.”
Mr. Perrigo is survived by five sons, Marvin Perrigo and Mike Perrigo, both of Tebbetts, Martin Perrigo of Harrisburg, Mark Perrigo of Hallsville, and Monty Perrigo of Ashland; 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
His parents, one brother and two sisters died earlier.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010, at New Hope Baptist Church, 4393 State Route JJ in Fulton. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until service time at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Williamson Ministries, P.O. Box 324, Fulton, MO 65251. Contributions may be made to the family online at www.nilsonfuneralhome.com.
