John Ray Perret, 71, of Salina, passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2022, in Manhattan, KS. He was born July 22, 1950, in Concordia, Kansas.

John retired as a Sergeant Major in the United States Army. He began his 26-year career in 1968 with service in Korea, Germany, Fort Knox (drill sergeant) and the Kansas Army National Guard. His last assignment was with the 2 BN 635 Armor Regiment in Salina as the Operations Sergeant Major. He served with honor and distinction, he retired in 1996. “Cold Steel”

John was a member of AMBUCS, lifetime member of the VFW, Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion. He was a veteran advocate and proud to have created a support group for those that served.

John graduated from Sacred Heart, class of ’68. He went on to complete his Master’s degree with Kansas Wesleyan University.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John J., and Betty (Garst) Perret; wife, Martha L. Perret; brother, Dennis Perret, a sister, Jebbie Redden, a nephew Christopher Perret and 2 grandsons, Dominique McNabb, and Chris Yates.

Survivors include his children, Shane Perret (Keli), of Katy, TX, Kriscina McNabb, and Natasha Dixon, both of Salina, brother, Jeff Perret of Colorado Springs, CO., and a sister, Janelle Sterling of Salina, and 8 grandchildren: John McNabb (Krista) of Manhattan, Marissa Perret of Salina, Madisen Pool of Kansas City, George McNabb of Salina, Jacob Yates of Salina, Tazwell Yates of Salina, Angelita Perret of Katy Texas, Marcina McNabb of Salina; and 4 great grandchildren: Kyndall Mueller, Esmynd Glanton, Aizen Perret-Williams, and Mason McNabb.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 17, 2022, from 2:00pm to 7:00pm, with the family to greet friends and guests from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Roselawn Heights Memorial Chapel, 1920 East Crawford, Salina.

A rosary service will be held at 10:30am, Friday, February 18, 2022, St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 1100 Burr Oak, Salina, followed by John’s funeral service at 11:00am, at St. Elizabeth’s Church.

A military service will be conducted by the VFW, the American Legion Riders, and the Kansas National Guard for SGM John Perret at Roselawn Memorial Park, 1920 East Crawford Street, Salina immediately following the funeral service.