Raymond Perry

Raymond Dean Perry, 74, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2024, surrounded by friends and family. A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, March 2nd at Edwards Congregational United Church of Christ, 3420 Jersey Ridge Road in Davenport, Iowa at noon. Visitation will take place for one hour preceding the service. Private interment at Davenport Memorial Park. Raymond, the son of Raymond and Lois (Smith) Perry, was born July 24, 1949, in Davenport, Iowa. He graduated from Davenport West High School in 1967. Raymond met Judy Thompson while at West High School and they were married for 17 years, which blessed him with two beloved daughters. He was awarded a BA in History, with Teaching Credentials from the University of Iowa in 1971. Raymond continued his education by returning to The University of Iowa College of Law. In 1975, he graduated with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) “With Distinction.” Raymond practiced law for 49 years beginning in 1975 as Assistant Dickson County Iowa Attorney. Following that, he served as Assistant Attorney for Civil Rights for the State of Iowa, where in 1979, he won a landmark employment age discrimination case representing Sister Annette Walters. Ph.D. Raymond had a lengthy career as a solo practitioner of Criminal Law, Juvenile Justice, and Civil Rights throughout Iowa, most recently at The Perry Law Firm, Des Moines, Iowa. He retired in 2010. Throughout his life, Raymond was an advocate for justice and fairness. He was passionate about the importance of education, criminal justice reform, and the dismantling of oppression and marginalization of minority communities. He was outspoken on his opinions enough to successfully continue a side-career as a radio talk-show host. He was a political commentator call-in host at several stations including WLOL, Minneapolis, MN, WHO, Des Moines, IA, and more recently at KMJ in Fresno, California. Additionally, Raymond taught History and Sociology at the high school level, was a substitute teacher for Des Moines Public Schools, and was a professor for six years at Des Moines Area Community College. Raymond enjoyed supporting his Alma Mater as an avid Iowa Hawkeye football fan. In his early life, he played the tuba, played baseball, and was an excellent swimmer. Raymond is survived by his children, Hope (Andris) and Happy (Andrew), grandchildren, Alize, Andrew, Nathaniel, Nathias, Emily, and Adriana, great-grandchildren Amoura and Ayden, Minnesota; sister, Beverly (Louis Reicks) Simpson and brother-in-law, Lyle Felton, Davenport. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Valerie Felton; brother-in-law, Lester Simpson.

Raymond Perry

July 24, 1949 - January 7, 2024