Obituary of Perry Wilkins Lesh II

Perry Wilkins Lesh, II passed away into the arms of his Savior on July 3, 2020 at 2:56 p.m. surrounded by his wife and daughters who serenaded him as he passed from this life into the next. Perry was born July 31, 1954 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Frederick Hoke Lesh and Nancy (Early) Lesh. He grew up playing with his two older brothers, Ricky and David. They also had a cottage on Burt Lake where he spent his summers with his family. Perry gave his life to Jesus on Oct 10, 1970 at the age of 16 years old when he attended a friend’s bible study. He began playing the drums at the age of 8, went on to play the drums in Marching and Jazz bands in both Junior High and High School as well as in various Rock-n-Roll and Blues Bands. He learned how to play all the percussion instruments and was instructed for 8 years by Richard Paul, Principal Percussionist of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. He also took many years of piano lessons. The first church he founded was “Church at the Barn.” Church at the Barn was started after he led a revival in the Methodist Youth Fellowship at the Meridian Street United Methodist Church of Indianapolis. He was ordained as a pastor later in his 30’s. He graduated from North Central High School in Indianapolis, IN in June 1972. That summer, he studied in Boston at Famous Jazz School, Berkley College of Music. He studied with Alan Dawson, Dave Brubeck’s drummer. He then went to Taylor University in Upland, Indiana for a year where he majored in Music and Bible. While he was at Taylor, he did solo gigs each week at a Christian coffee house where he also shared his testimony. He was a music leader at Grace Church in Indianapolis and loved directing the congregation in singing hymns. He graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in December of 1977. He served his country in the Army National Guard, Rank E5 from July 1979 to July 1984. He was assigned to the 145th Army Division in Oklahoma City. His duty was to play the drums in the Jazz, Concert, and Marching bands. Also, because they did not have an official Chaplain, his Commanding Officer asked him to function as one, which he was delighted to do. Out of Boot Camp, he was a PFC, but over the next 6 years, he was gradually promoted to an E5. Perry met the love of his life, Rosemary Espinoza at a prayer meeting at church in 1985. Perry married Rosemary on April 4, 1987 at First Baptist in Jenks, Oklahoma. Over the next six years, they had four beautiful daughters: Amy, Stacy, Janelle and Hannah. Their home was always filled with music, laughter, and love. Perry received numerous awards as an employee in the field of hospitality over the years due to his outstanding service. He played the piano and sang at Town Village for the residents. He was very involved at his church, Southwood Baptist Church of Tulsa. He led Sunday School, was in the choir, played the drums and piano, and was involved with the church’s outreaches. Perry was preceded in death by both paternal and maternal grandparents, his father, Frederick Hoke Lesh; his mother, Nancy (Early) Lesh; his older brothers, Frederick Jr. and David Lesh; and his father-in-law, Julian. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Nancy Lesh and daughters, Amy Rose Lesh, Stacy Marie Chairez and her husband, Timothy and their sons, Paolo, Timothy, and August, Janelle Bethany Ross, and her husband, Joshua, their son, Kesed Ross and daughter, Karis Ross, Hannah Renee Lesh; his sister-n- law, Vicki Lesh and her sons, David and his wife Cacia and their two sons, and Joe Lesh. Perry Wilkins Lesh II was an amazing, gifted, and talented musician who loved people deeply and had a servant’s heart. He was a loving husband, a wonderful father, doting Grandpa and loved Jesus dearly. He touched many people’s lives and though he will be sorely missed, we know He is with Jesus joyfully singing with the angels and glorifying God.