Fidel "Poncho" Perez

Fidel "Poncho" Perez, age 79, of Kansas City, Missouri, died peacefully on December 22, 2025, at the Liberty Hospital, Liberty, Missouri. Fidel was December 11, 1946, in Iola, Kansas, to Federico Perez and Florentina (Chavez) Perez. Fidel was one of sixteen children born to Federico and Florentina, and he was the last son.

Fidel grew up in Iola, Kansas, and graduated in 1966 from Iola High School. He entered the Marines in 1966 and served in Vietnam, earning several badges and medals during his military service.

Fidel and Carol Creason were married March 6, 1987, in Kansas City, Kansas, and they enjoyed 38-1/2 years of marriage together.

Fidel went to work in construction, was a maintenance supervisor, and then a custodian for the North Kansas Kansas City School District. His dream job was when he was assigned to a school across the street where he and Carol lived. Fidel loved the kids and faculty. He met some lifetime friends while working there.

Fidel was preceded in death by his parents; several siblings; grandson, Cade Oakley; and son-in-law, Brian Oakley.

Fidel is survived by his wife, Carol Perez, of the home; four daughters, Sarah Perez (Matt Brinkman), St. Louis, Missouri, Janett (Chris) Ferrell, Muskogee, Oklahoma, Nan Oakley, Phoenix, Arizona, Jennifer (Jason) Jenkins, Kansas City, Kansas; five grandsons, Collin and Foster Ferrell, Reese Oakley, Oliver and Everett Jenkins; two granddaughters, Isabelle Linch, Lauren Jenkins; four sisters, Flo Croghan, Moran, Kansas, Theresa Flack, Arlington, Texas, Mary Lou Oddo, Blue Springs, Missouri, Elizath McVey, Kansas City, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews who lovingly called him 'Uncle Poncho."

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas. Inurnment with military honors will follow the memorial service in the Legion Section of Highland Cemetery, Iola, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to Wings of Warriors, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.