Paul Richard Perea, 74, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026. He was born on July 6, 1951, in Kingman, Arizona, to Joe and Gregoria Lola Perea.
Paul spent his early years in Kingman and attended Kingman High School, where he excelled in athletics. He played football, basketball, and baseball through his junior year before moving to California, where he graduated from Berkeley High School. A talented baseball player, Paul was a member of a Senior League baseball team that came within one game of advancing to the Senior League World Series.
Following graduation, Paul worked in construction before beginning a long and rewarding career at Ford Proving Grounds. As a test driver and maintenance specialist, he dedicated 35 years of service to the company, earning the respect and friendship of countless coworkers along the way.
He loved fishing, hiking and riding his Harley – he treasured time spent with Maria, his chihuahua companion of 25 years.
Paul is survived by his children Sebastian, Dominic, Antonio, Quinton, and Marcellina; five grandkids; and brothers Joey, Max, Frank and Orlando.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Perea and Gregoria Lola Perea; his brother, Gabriel Perea; and his grandparents.
Paul will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his love of family, his adventurous nature, and the kindness he shared with those around him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Funeral Home, 1701 Sycamore Avenue. A reception and celebration of Paul’s life will immediately follow at the American Legion, 225 East Oak Street.
