After high school graduation, Pete entered the U.S. Army and served as a cryptanalyst for the ASA. After discharge, he attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1971 with a BA and MPA in professional accounting. As a CPA, Pete traveled the world as an international auditor, retiring in 2012 from Energizer Battery.
Pete loved history and geography, and he took full advantage of the opportunity to explore the world while working in foreign countries. Current affairs and being a fan of football and baseball completed his interests, making him an awesome trivia player.
Pete was an avid member of the American Legion, serving as Past Commander of Freeburg Post 550, both junior and senior Vice Commander of District 22, Past Commander of District 22, Past Commander of Divison 5, and Past State Historian. He was also a member of the American Legion 40 & 8 and the University of Texas Exes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorenzo Perez Sr. and Constancia, nee Lopez, Perez; and two sisters, Susanna Perez Majia and Ruby Perez, in infancy; and a brother-in-law, Pete Torres.
Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Carol Sue, nee Williams, Perez, whom he married on January 2, 1982;
his daughter, Alyx McKenzie Perez of Freeburg, IL;
four brothers and two sisters, Amos Perez of Houston, TX,
Paul (Isabell) Perez of Bay City, TX,
Lorenzo Jr. (Helen) Perez of Arizona,
Jimmie Perez of Houston, TX,
Benita “Bennie” Perez of Richmond-Rosenburg, TX,
and Lupe Torres of Michigan;
many nieces and nephews;
best friends, Jim and Coco Price,
Tom and Kendra McNutt,
and Rick and Debbie Baltz;
and friends around the world.
Memorials may be made to American Legion programs: Operation Comfort Warriors for Illinois Veterans or Gifts to the Yanks. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 30, 2015, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Freeburg, IL. An American Legion Post 550 Walk-Through will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at noon Monday, August 31, 2015, at the funeral home with Rev. Earl Crecelius officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
Condolences Left For Pedro “Pete” Perez
My condolences to Pete’s family, he taught me what I know about the American Legion. He was my mentor and a friend. RIP Pete
James M Forbus Sr, Belleville , IL, 62220
I considered Pete a great friend as well as a fellow legionnaire. After I was elected 5th Division Commander this year, Pete jumped right in and volunteered his time to assist me in making this a successful year. Pete loved the American Legion and his fellow veterans. Pete will be greatly missed. With regret we have to inform his family that we will not be able to make his funeral as we will be at National Convention. I know Pete would want that for us. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Pete’s family.
Dave Harris, Rural Ramsey,, Illinois, 62011
My sincere sympathies to Commander’s Pete Perez’s family.
His positive approach and attitude
to the tasks involved with the American Legion will always be one of his strengths that I will long remember. I am out of town and will be unable to attend the wake or funeral.
Donald Wallis, Belleville, Illinois, 62223
On behalf of American Legion Post 58 wish to pass on our condolences to Pete’s wife and family. He has mentored many Legion members to great success. Our Prayers are with you.
Gary Thomas, Belleville, Illinois, 62222
Belleville VFW Post 1739 and I would like to give our condolence to your family Pete. We thank you and your family for yours and their service to our country and your support of our veterans.
Robert Thomas, Swansea, Illinois, 62226
Carol and Alyx we are greatly saddened by the news of Pete’s passing. He was a “man of mystery” to us with all of his travels and experiences. Though our interactions were limited,, they were pleasant and often enlightening. It was always clear that he was loved and admired by the two people who knew him so well. We are very sorry for your loss.
Jeff and Debbie Lanter, Ellis Grove, IL, 62241