Ed was born on September 29, 1931. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School and the University of Nebraska with a Bachelors of Science in 1953, and a Juris Doctorate degree in 1955, graduating with the prestigious Order of the Coif. Ed was admitted to the Nebraska Bar in 1955. Ed served his country in the United States Air Force as a Captain in the Judge Advocate Generals Corps from 1955-1957.

Upon returning to Lincoln, Ed joined his father and uncle in the Perry & Perry law firm founded by his grandfather in 1920. Under Ed’s leadership the firm known by all as The Perry Law Firm has grown to 15 attorneys. Ed’s practice, while a general practice, had a focus on the representation of public school districts helping schools do what was best for the education of all children in our community and state. Ed served as general counsel to the Lincoln Public Schools for over twenty years, and as general counsel to Union Bank & Trust Co., and many other businesses in Lincoln and greater Nebraska.

Ed had a wonderful sense of humor, and always had a joke or story to tell – repeating them more than a few times. Ed often said the Lawyer’s Prayer – “Lord continue to spread dissension among thy people lest thy faithful servant perish” – said in humor, with the knowledge that this world will always have such dissension, and needed a person like Ed to help his fellow man through those times.

Ed and his wife Joanie were the parents of six children – Marcy, Judy, James, Greg, Jack and Priscilla – all wonderful successful people in their own right. Ed and Joanie have 19 grandchildren. Ed loved his family and was so proud of each and every one of his children and grandchildren; he was a great Dad and Granddad.

Ed was also a man of faith, and dedicated his later years to the growth of St. Michael’s parish in southeast Lincoln near Cheney, contributing his time and resources to the building of a new church and school, including the purchase of the clock in the bell tower of the new building.

Ed mentored many he came into contact with, either through advice or by his example, particularly those fortunate enough to join the legal family that is The Perry Law Firm – we all learned from and were guided by our mentor, Ed Perry. We will miss him beyond imagining, and even when he is not here physically, he will live on in our memories and how we live our lives and practice our profession.