Jack H. Berry

Jack H. Berry, 93, went home to be with the Lord Friday evening, July 23rd. He was a resident at Galena Nursing Center, Galena, Kansas.

Jack was born February 15, 1928, to Art and Rena Berry of Baxter Springs, Kansas. He graduated from Baxter Springs High School. Jack served in Japan during World War II as a mechanic where he earned the WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 206, Baxter Springs. Jack was an honorary Grand Marshall for his American Legion Post during a Baxter Springs parade, an honor he cherished. At the time of his death, Jack was the oldest living WWII veteran in the area.

After his time of service Jack attended the Kansas City Art Institute where he found his passion for art. During his career he had his own company, Berry Graphics, doing artwork for Macy’s catalog and John Deere in Kansas City among other companies. Jack also won a contest to design the seal for the city of Raymore, MO and it was featured on all their material as well as the water tower. The seal was adopted by a city in Canada named Raymore.

In 1989 Jack was ordained as a priest with the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and most recently served as co-pastor at the Restoration Branch Church RLDS of Miami, Oklahoma.

Jack is survived by his son Jack, and his daughters Lisa, Kathy, and Vikki. He is also survived by three brothers, Tom Berry, Mike Berry, and David Berry and two sisters, Judy Harms and Bobby Jo Wade. Jack is also survived by his 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces/nephews, great-nieces/nephews, and great-great-nieces/nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Clara Jean Kirkpatrick.

The family especially wants to thank Autumn Place in Baxter Springs, KS, and Galena Nursing Center in Galena, KS, for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 1 from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. at Derfelt Funeral Home in Baxter Springs, KS and funeral services will be Monday, August 2 at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ Restoration in Miami, Oklahoma with burial following at Pence Cemetery in Baxter Springs, Kansas. Memorial donations may be made to Church of Jesus Christ Restoration or Harry Hynes Hospice in care of the funeral home. Online condolences can be made at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *