Eugene Steven Perdue

MINERAL WELLS -- Steve Perdue, 63, the emergency management coordinator for Palo Pinto County, passed away Monday, Dec. 5, 2011, in Mineral Wells. Funeral: 2 p.m. Thursday at Southside Church of Christ, 1401 SE 25th Ave., Mineral Wells. Interment: Woodland Park Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of White's Funeral Home, 101 NE Fourth Ave., Mineral Wells. Memorials: In lieu of usual remembrances, the Perdue family suggests contributions in Steve's name to the Steve Perdue Scholarship Fund at First Financial Bank, 1900 E. Hubbard St., Mineral Wells, Texas 76067. The scholarship was established to assist students who have chosen a career in firefighting or the medical field. Eugene Steven Perdue was born Feb. 12, 1948, in Ranger, son of the late Eugene and Ruby Wescott Perdue. Steve earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Tarleton State University and began his teaching career in the late 1960s with the Mineral Wells ISD, where he taught chemistry and advanced science. After several years teaching, Steve took a position as assistant principal of Mineral Wells High School. After leaving Mineral Wells ISD, Steve taught the EMT program at Weatherford College. He also taught at the Municipal Fire School at Texas A&M. Steve believed in educating everybody and taught in most Texas counties with firefighters eager to learn. In March 1977, Steve joined the Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department, where he held positions from the rank of firefighter to his current position of chief. He served on the legislative board of the State Firemen's and Fire Marshal's Association of Texas and was instrumental in starting and maintaining Tommy's Angel Tree in Mineral Wells. Steve was instrumental in the acquisition of much-needed equipment for multiple fire departments, including Mineral Wells, through his tireless efforts in grant-writing. Steve was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors: Wife and the love of his life, Carla Hay-Perdue of Mineral Wells; aunt, Corrine Wescott of Mertzon; several cousins; and the entire Mineral Wells Fire Department, whom Steve considered to be his family. White's Funeral Home Mineral Wells, 940-325-3311