Donald O. Berry

Donald O. Berry, 67, lost his courageous battle with small cell lung cancer on August 19, 2005. Don was born on February 9, 1938 to the late Bud and Ruth (Beeman) Berry in Denver, CO. When he was 12 years old, he moved with his family to San Diego, CA. He graduated high school at Point Loma High in San Diego. Don joined the Navy a short time after high school. His training took him to Idaho Falls, ID, where he met the love of his life. He married Helen Garrett in 1960, and they were later sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. To this union there were 5 children born: Bonny, Barbara, David, Brenda and Becky. Don served in the military for 25 years, 23 of those years in the United States Navy, retiring as a CWO-4. He loved his country dearly, and was proud to have served in the military, especially on submarines. His family accompanied him whenever when he was not at sea. He served in Idaho Falls, Virginia, Connecticut, California, Guam, Tennessee and Washington. He was the reactor operator for the first start-up of the new U.S.S. Enterprise. After Don retired from the Navy, he worked in Butte, MT. for two years and then he obtained a position at Hanford in 1981. He retired from Boeing Computers in 1996. Don then accepted a position at the Umatilla Army Depot to set-up their computers for the beginning of the incineration, retiring in 2000. Don and Helen sold their home in 1997 and began living in their motor home. When he retired in Umatilla, they enjoyed traveling especially spending winters in Yuma, AZ. Don was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many positions including Scout Master, YM President and Bishopric member. But the position he loved most and held longest was Ward Clerk. He also loved serving as an ordinance worker in both the Seattle, WA and Columbia River, WA temples. He was a member of the Three River Sams as well as the Submarine Veterans, Inland Empire Base. Don was loved and respected by all. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles Berry, and grandson Ricky Ransier. He is survived by his wife of Salt Lake City, UT children Bonny Ransier, Port Orchard, WA. Barbara Berry, Las Vegas, NV, David Berry and Brenda Peterson, Salt Lake City, UT and Becky Besendorfer, Denver, CO; sister, Cheryl Odell-Kapferer; brother Robert Berry; step-brothers Jim and Bill Odell, John Street, and step-sister Peg Catlin; 12 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Akerley, Terry and his staff. There will be a viewing at Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby, ID at 10:00am Thursday, August 25th. A graveside service will take place at the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery in Ririe, ID at 11:00am. A memorial service will be held at the Benton City, WA LDS Chapel at 11:00am August 27th. The family will greet friends at 10:00am. Those wishing to may donate to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, patient care in Salt Lake City, UT in memory of Don.