Obituary of Perry Looney

Services for Perry Looney, 92, of New Deal, TX will be held at 10:00am, Tuesday, December 12, 2023 in the New Deal First Baptist Church with Rev. Richard Harbison officiating. Burial will follow in the Abernathy Strip Pearce Chapel Cemetery. The family will gather to receive friends from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Monday, December 11, 2023 at Abell Funeral Home. Services are under the direction of Abell Funeral Home & Flower Shop of Abernathy. Mr. Looney died on Thursday, December 7, 2023 in Lubbock, TX. Will Perry Looney was born on June 1, 1931, on the family farm near the community of Center, TX (northeast of New Deal, TX) to Hall A. and Nellie M. (Myers) Looney. He was the youngest of 5 children. He attended Center school until the 2nd grade when they consolidated with New Deal ISD. Perry graduated from New Deal High School in 1947 and began farming. The Korean War had started, and he could see the draft coming. Perry did not want to be drafted and instead chose to enlist in the Army. When he went before the armed services board, they told him not to start a crop as he would not be home for harvest. After completing boot camp, Perry was nominated to attend artillery school where he learned different tanks and tactics that were used by other countries. He loved artillery school! When the time came, he proudly served his country on the front line of the Korean War in a tank. Upon arriving back home, Perry married his sweetheart. Wanda Wylie, on September 2, 1953, in Amarillo, TX. Together they farmed and ranched while raising a family. Helping numerous nieces, nephews, and numerous children, teaching them the value of hard work, rewards and about God's love and the plan of salvation. After serving his country, Perry decided to serve his community and school by running for the school board. He proudly served the kids, parents, community, teachers, and administrators for over 50 years. He was an avid supporter of the New Deal Lions and Lady Lions and was extremely proud of all the accomplishments, awards, and championships that were earned through hard work and dedication from the kids, teachers, and coaches. Perry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Wanda Looney, son, Kevan Looney, and siblings Myers Looney, Eva Belle Slaton, and Marvin Looney. Those left to cherish his memories are his daughters Renay Roberts and husband, Stephen, of San Marcos, TX, Rendy Harkey and husband, Cliff, of Cotton Center, grandchildren Slader Roberts and wife, Shea, of Wimberley, TX, Cale Harkey or Goodwill, Oklahoma, Jake Harkey and Piper Harkey of Cotton Center, a sister Bobbie Baze of Oklahoma, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. The family suggests memorials be made to Gideons International, PO Box 97521, Washington, DC 20090-7251, or to a favorite charity. The Looney family has requested those attending the service to dress in casual attire. They would also like to extend a special thanks to Legacy of the South Plains, Hospice of the South Plains and nurses, Kenna and Brecca.