Some say that age is just a number and that you are only as old as you feel.
During the summer between his junior and senior years of high school, Mr. Perkins and five friends moved to Berkeley, California. They initially commuted to jobs in San Francisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge each morning and evening. However, the daily travel soon proved exhausting, so Mr. Perkins took a job as an elevator operator at an 18-story bank in Berkley. At that time, elevators were operated by using a hand crank to move the cabin up and down. This experience gave him a taste of service and responsibility, shaping his work ethic for the calling that would
soon follow.
Being part of The Greatest Generation placed Mr. Perkins at “just the right age when World War II broke out.” Soon after returning home from California, he was called to serve in a very different capacity. After completing basic training in the Army Air Corps (now the U.S. Air Force) in Amarillo, Texas, he was assigned to a Boeing factory in Seattle, Washington to help build aircraft – a step that prepared him for his future role as a pilot. His journey then took him across the United States and eventually overseas to India, where he flew missions over the Himalayas, and finally to China, where he spent three years serving during World War II.
Upon returning home, he served in the National Guard, totaling 31 years in the military. His day-to-day operations transitioned once again from pilot to businessman as he explored the restaurant industry. His first venture was the purchase of Cliff’s Cafeteria, located in the present-day Ocotillo Performing Arts Center. Later, he became the owner of the local Dairy Queen, a role that was “one of the most fun businesses” because of the young customers who filled the shop. Whether it was a little girl eager for a five-cent ice cream cone or a group of baseball players earning a free banana split for home run hits, Mr. Perkins found joy in serving the community’s children.
Although Mr. Perkins bought and sold two successful restaurants, he had no intention of returning to the industry. For months, his friend Johnny Akin tried to sell him a nine-month-old restaurant called “La Fonda,” but Mr. Perkins resisted – at first. Then, on a hot summer day in 1965, Mr. Akin spotted him leaving Artesia, and the chase was on. He finally caught up to him on the roadside near Hagerman. After a few minutes of negotiating (and maybe a little arm-twisting), the deal was sealed with a handshake and a hope.
Now a restaurant owner for the third time, Mr. Perkins added “chef” to his resume. Together with several women who worked in the restaurant, they tested different versions of sauces, each giving input until everyone agreed on the perfect combination of flavors. The original recipes are what have kept guests coming back for six decades.
Mr. Perkins’ love of country and the Artesia community is overshadowed only by his love of family. Selah, his wife of 56 years, says his number one concern has always been family and doing everything possible for each of the children. What we do for others in the community is important, yes, but what we do inside the walls of our home can have the greatest impact. We must go deep before we can go wide.
It is difficult to fathom what it must have been like to endure the trials of war, only to return home, hang up the uniform, and step back into the normal rhythms of everyday life. There is nothing normal about war, nor about the burdens soldiers carry long after the enemy has surrendered. Perhaps the only calling greater than serving in this capacity is the quiet strength it takes to come home and pick up where life left off. Yet this is exactly what Mr. Perkins did. His life has helped shape our community and country in the spirit of freedom. May he and his generation be honored for it.
Photos by Mikayla DeHoyos Photography
Life Lessons from Mr. Perkins
Faith is the Foundation
When fear sets in, we must go back to our faith. It is where we find strength. All of our days are numbered, and we were put here for a purpose during those days.
Be Consistent
Consistency is the key to success in all aspects of life.
Be Happy
Happiness is a choice. We must learn to control ourselves and choose to see the sunny side.
Live in Today
But do not dwell there, for tomorrow will change.
Create Change
When people remember you, what is most important is how you created change in their lives.
Article written by Allyson Joy and originally published in Focus on Artesia 2025 Fall edition.
Allyson Joy
Allyson Joy is the Associate Publisher of Focus Magazines. She can be reached at allyson@focusnm.com.
