Tom Perry (Hank Rotten, Jr.)

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Tom Perry, professionally known as Hank Rotten Jr., passed away peacefully in the presence of his loved ones 4/20/25 following complications related to a stroke. He was 73. 

Tom was born 7/23/51 to parents Gene and Rosalie Perry. He was raised in his beloved hometown of Carterville, MO. He had two brothers; His older brother Danny of Bella Vista, AR and his little brother Benny who proceeded him in death. Tom was married twice. His first marriage was to Debi Perry who passed away 3/15/25. They had two children; Casey Linn of Jacksonville, FL and Zach Perry of Webb City, MO. 

His second marriage was to Jeanne Perry of Ozark, MO. He had three stepsons join his family with Jeanne; MG and Jana Behrend of Rolla, MO; Matt and Bonnie Behrend of Springfield, MO and John Behrend of Oklahoma City, OK. He had five grandchildren: Jolie, 18, Hogan 16, James, 12, Symphony 9 and Alex 8.

Tom was a lifetime resident of the 4 -State area. He spoke fondly of his childhood in Carterville. He was a proud Carterville Comet and had lunch weekly with the Comets Lunch Bunch. He had numerous close friends, many of which he knew since childhood. He spent many days visiting with friends at “Newman’s Auto” car lot and loved going to Webb City High School football games. He was active in his local area assisting with many fundraisers and donating his abilities to youth sporting events.

Tom had a boisterous career in music, radio and TV. His love of music started as a tuba player for the Carterville High School band. He started pursuing music during the late 70’s and 80’s in the local club scene, primarily “The Ranch” where he worked as a bouncer and later a musical promoter. It was there that his musical persona “Hank Rotten Jr.” was born. He and his close musical friends created the band “Hank Rotten Jr. and the Tennessee Lobsters” in 1981. They played locally and many years of musical memories were made at the Annual “Pickers Harvest” Festival. It is during this time period he created the “Star Security” Team. His late ex-wife Debi had a catering team called “Get Fat Catering.” They worked together many years handling most the concerts at Joplin Memorial Hall during the 1980’s.

He later partnered with Allen Ross and they became the musical duo “Ross and Rotten.” Tom and Allen performed original songs along with stand-up comedy. Tom even played the tuba in their shows. They had a long successful musical career together producing several albums and performing nationwide at many large music and motorcycle festivals.

It was during the years of “Ross and Rotten” when Tom started attending the Annual “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally” in Sturgis, South Dakota. He started attending this event 1988. His son Zach starting attending with him in 1990 and they went together for 35 years . He became the Master of Ceremonies for the “Buffalo Chip” Campground and was the Voice of the Chip for 35 years. It was during this time he met many celebrities, musicians and made many friends from all over the world.

During the 80’s was when Tom started his radio career. He was the voice of the 4-States for many radio stations handling marketing and doing numerous radio remotes and promotional events. He is most known for his radio show with Vance Lewis called “Rotten and Rooster in the Morning.”

Tom transitioned to his TV career in the 90's and continued TV until his retirement in 2023. He was co-host of the KSN morning show “Local News Today” over 10 years and also had his own show “Friday Night at the Movies” for over 20 years producing over 1000 episodes featuring local artists and promotion of local area events.

Tom loved his community and put his heart into helping his community come together. Most notably was his service during the Joplin Tornado. Tom drove to work after the Tornado and after seeing the devastation immediately set up a radio phone call communication system. He worked round the clock taking calls and coordinating relief efforts. In between shifts he would cry and pray for his community then get back to work. He did not stop until Joplin was on the road to recovery.

It was his love for people and community that drove him to offer his services for numerous fundraisers and charity events throughout his long career, for many, including the close knit musician community he was a part of. He loved to make cameo appearances with “Encore” and loved listening to his beloved adopted son “Lonnie Hulette” and his music.

Tom loved family, friends, sports and parties. For many years Tom and his ex-wife Jeanne hosted the annual 4th of July pool party. Tom set up an annual Horse- Shoe Tournament complete with Brackets and trophies. This created so much joy for friends and family.

Tom spent his retirement days having pool parties for family and friends, enjoying the “Kansas City Royals” baseball with his son Zach and fortunately was able to experience his beloved “Kansas City Chiefs” Super Bowl wins. He worked along side Scott and Nancy Hutson with “Cycle Connection” doing commercials and advertising up until his passing. Nancy and Scott were a strong force in his last year of life taking care of him and being supportive amazing friends.

The “Hank Rotten Memorial Ride” is scheduled for June 14th 2025.

Services are 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Cycle Connection, 5571 North Main Street, Joplin, Missouri. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.