Dean Joseph Perry, 87, of Thornton, Idaho, passed away October 31, 2011, at Life Care Center in Idaho Falls. He was born March 1, 1924, in Independence, Idaho, to Stephen LaVern and Pauline Struhs Perry. He was raised in the Independence/Thornton area. He graduated from Madison High School in 1943. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and saw action in the European Theater. Dean was captured by the Germans and became a Prisoner of War. On June 26, 1947, he married Ruth Jean Firth in Dillon, Montana. In 1947, Dean began his life long career with Utah Power & Light Company in Rexburg. In 1977, he was transferred and the family moved to Shelley. Dean could tell you about the construction of any power line in the valley. After 37 years, Dean retired in 1983. During the 1950's, he served as a Volunteer Fireman with the City of Rexburg but when his job responsibilities started taking him farther away from town, he had to resign. Dean was a dedicated life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served as Commander and then as a Quartermaster for over 50 years. He has been Chairman of the Madison County Veterans Commission for many years and responsible for the maintenance of the VFW building in Rexburg. In 1985, Dean and Ruth moved to the farm where Dean grew up in Thornton to make their home. This was home until Deans health failed and he moved to Life Care Center in Ammon 10 months ago following a lengthy hospital stay. Dean was a perfectionist at everything he did. His knowledge about cars, carpentry, farming, and the world around him made him a great conversationalist. He is survived by his daughters: Dorothy Ann (Joe) Kennedy of Ammon and Betty Jo (Leo) Sharp of Payson, Utah; a son, Stephen Joseph (Maria) Perry of Salt Lake City; 2 sisters: Nona (Harold) Miller of Sacramento, California, and Carma (Bill, deceased) Wight of Hall, Montana; a brother, Clinton Perry of Boise, Idaho, a son-in-law, Gary (Karen) Blackham of Annis, a brother-in-law, Keith Christensen of Idaho Fall; 20 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, who passed away Nov. 28, 2003; a daughter, Mary Alice Blackham, and a sister, Ruby Christensen. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 5, 2011, at the Burton LDS Third Ward Chapel, 3958 W. 2000 S., Rexburg with Bishop Ken McCluskey officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home, 61 N. 1st East, Rexburg, and Saturday at the church from 12-1 p.m. Burial will be in the Sutton Cemetery in Archer with military rites performed by the Madison County Veterans and the Idaho Honor Guard. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls, Idaho, and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com The family would like to express their appreciation for the professional, kind, loving care given to Dean by Dr. Haderlie, Dr. Rahim, Dr. Gorman, Jan Garland and the entire staff at Life Care.