Rudy Perez, 78, of Mexico, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Missouri Veterans Home, with loved ones by his side.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Rudy was born on June 6, 1946, in Wyandotte, Michigan, the son of Rudolfo and Alice (Gonzalez) Perez. On August 12 he married Grace Adellita Garcia.

One word to best describe Rudy is wholehearted. His love knew no bounds. Rudy was known for his strength, perseverance and unconditional love he had for his family. He loved to gather his family around the table to laugh, joke and tell his famous stories. He was a light in everyone's lives. He was a very hard worker but was not driven by money or material things. Providing for his family meant everything to him and he loved them dearly.

One of Rudy's most commendable accomplishments was serving in the U.S. Army and completing two tours in the Vietnam War. He took such pride in being a Vietnam Veteran.  After his service, he worked for Chrysler until retirement.

Some of Rudy's hobbies included fishing, hunting and playing checkers, but his favorite pass time was to crack jokes with his kids and grandkids. He loved the Lord and served in the Royal Rangers. Rudy will be remembered for his love of laughter and his big beautiful heart.

Survivors include his wife, Grace Perez of the home; his children, Katherine (Michael) Ramirez of Michigan, Elizabeth (William) MacTavish of Michigan, Rachel Rorke of Michigan, Grace Perez of Georgia, Jewel Perez of Columbia, and Rudy Jr. Perez of Mexico; grandchildren, Luis and Jonathon Ayala, Katherine Ritz, Christian Ayala, Hannah, Grace and William Jacob MacTavish, Daniel, Derek and Dallas Sortor, Alicia Burns, Katelyn Stratton, Jorden and Rudy Vance, Gabriella and Emmalyn Freeden, Alexis and Shaun Dismuke, Joshua, Abigail and Jacob Gliksman; and great-grandchildren, Antonio, Aiden, Braylon, Malia, Nolan and Leland Ayala, Selena, Brooklyn, Amelia, Aviana, and Isabella Ayala, Liam and Finn Burns, Aaron Michael, Ember Stratton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist the family of Rudy Perez. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.