Vergel G. Perry Jr., 76, of Lake Jackson passed away following a brief illness on February 24, 2017. Vergel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was born January 28, 1941 in Freeport, Texas, to Vergel and Anita Perry. Vergel was proud to be a member of one of Lake Jackson's Pioneer Families, moving to Lake Jackson when the city only consisted of a few Army barrack style houses and some muddy roads. Vergel graduated from Brazosport High School in 1959. He attended college at Southwest Texas University, in San Marcos, Texas, where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Arts in 1963. Following his graduation, Vergel enlisted in the Army where he served as a Combat Engineer and was honorably discharged, as a Sergeant, in 1966. After a brief period of teaching school at Columbia High School in West Columbia, Vergel began a successful career with Dow Chemical. During his almost 30 years with Dow, Vergel found his passion for working within the Fire and Safety Industry. Vergel served in many capacities including Supervisor of Fire and Security, Emergency Response Specialist, Safety Director and Distribution Emergency Response Coordinator for Texas Operations. After retiring from Dow, Vergel worked with Garner Environmental Services for several years. During the course of his life, Vergel became involved in many organizations. Vergel was a member of The National Fire Protection Association, Texas Firemen's and Fire Marshals Association, Brazosport Contractors Safety Council, Brazosport College Advisory Board for Emergency Medical Services, Brazosport College Advisory Board for Fire Protection Training, Lamar University Advisory Board for Industrial Fire Training, and the Texas A&M Industrial Firemen's Training School. Vergel's love for fire and safety developed in 1969, when he attended and graduated from Texas A&M's Industrial Firemen's Training School. Vergel was a part of the first class of the newly developed training school at Texas A&M. Vergel's love for teaching and training brought him back to College Station for 15 years as a guest instructor. In 1981 Vergel brought the first female guest instructor to the school. To ensure that all the new recruits he taught had the best training, Vergel continued his very own training in fire and safety by attending the Ansul Fire Training School in Marionette, Wisconsin; the Industrial Fire Training School at Lambton College, Sarnia, Canada; Heavy Rescue Training in California; Emergency Response Training in Pueblo, CO; and fire explosives training given by The Association of American Railroads Bureau of Explosives. Vergel was also honored as Instructor of the Year at the Texas A&M Fire School. On July 31,1965 Vergel married Miss Sandra Dick in College Station, Texas. Sandra "Shug" was the love of Vergel's life. The couple had two daughters, Molly and Elizabeth, and two grandchildren, Morgan and Braden Beasley. Growing up in Brazoria County fueled Vergel's passions for the outdoors. Vergel cherished his hunting trips with close friends. After Vergel's retirement, he returned to his love of woodworking again. Vergel was known for his specialty knives, cookware, and lamps all made in his home garage. He also developed a great gift for baking and loved to share his sweets amongst his friend. Vergel is preceded in death by his father Vergel Perry Sr., his mother Anita Perry, and mother in law Ethel Dick. Vergel leaves behind his beloved wife of over 50 years Sandra Perry; daughter Molly (Lance) Savant; daughter Elizabeth (Shane) Smith, and grandchildren, Braden Beasley, Morgan Beasley, along with sister Pat Hatinger, niece Karen Romberger and nephew Kurt Hatinger. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday February 28, 2017 at 1:00 pm in Lakewood Funeral Home's Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to Brazos Pointe Fellowship, Lake Jackson SPCA, or Guest Instructors' Memorial Emergency Services Training Institute/Brayton Fire Instructor Memorial Donation Fund, College Station, Texas.

Freeport-Lakewood Funeral Home