For nearly three months, loved ones have lived without Desmond Lee Perry Sr.
The 55-year-old father of 17 left behind more than heartache after his death. His kids say he left behind life lessons that will stick with them forever.
“I want people to know who my dad truly was as a person,” Daechaun Copeland told IndyStar. “He was a man of God with a heart bigger than most. He cared deeply about people and always made sure the next person was OK before worrying about himself. That’s the man we want the world to remember.”
Copeland said his father would pray over anyone he came in contact with if he felt compelled, and said Perry always tried to spread love, faith and encouragement, wherever he went.
Perry grew up in the same north-side neighborhood where he would die. His family said he was killed during an armed robbery on Dec. 6, 2025, at a combo gas station-fast food restaurant at the intersection of West 38th and North Meridian streets. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police have not publicly announced any suspects in the case.
‘He loved his kids despite how life turned out’
“He loved his kids, despite how life might have turned out,” his daughter, Desmèonia Perry, told IndyStar. “He did the best he could as a parent.”
Jamon Evans echoes those same sentiments. He was adopted by another family, but discovered that Desmond Perry was his father when he was 19. The now 22-year-old said his father and biological mother weren’t in a place to take care of him when he was younger, but once he connected, Perry became an active part of his life.
“He agreed to meet me as fast as he could,” Evans said. “He explained why things played out the way they did. From there, he was so active. He was always calling and checking up on me and inviting me to family functions.”
Evans, who had less than four years with Perry, said he’d remember the man’s warmth and humor.
“Looking into the mirror, I wanna know who I am, and that was cut short, because Desmond’s no longer in my life,” Evans said.
Desmond Lee Perry Sr., 55, shot and killed in an armed robbery
Copeland’s mother, Renita Jones, said Perry had gone to the store to grab a pack of cigarettes. Minutes before 8 p.m., he was shot at the store and rushed to Methodist Hospital in critical condition before being pronounced dead.
“It wasn’t something vengeful, but it’s still senseless,” Jones said. “They didn’t have to kill him … My grandkids will never get to experience their grandfather anymore and that hurts.”
Another sibling, Alexandria Perry, said anyone involved in her father’s killing doesn’t realize what they took from the family — and the world.
“He was pure love, and that is how we will always remember him,” the family said in a statement to IndyStar. “Our father was a loved man who touched many people’s lives, and we want him to be remembered for the love, kindness, and faith he showed to everyone around him.”
Copeland said his father believed in helping others, lifting people up and being a teacher, protector and someone who led by example.
“That’s the legacy he leaves behind,” Copeland said.
Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: ‘He was a man of God,’ family says of man shot, killed at gas station
Reporting by Jade Jackson, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
