in memoriam
expanded eulogies
“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
Brian K. Berry
Brian K. Berry, 57, passed away July 21, 2015, at Via Christi – St. Francis, Wichita.
He was born April 13, 1958, at Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Charles E. “Gene” and Marsha (Pressler) Berry. After high school, he served in the United States Marine Corps. He was a carpenter.
On Nov. 28, 1997, he was united in marriage to Judith A. Stowe. Their marriage blended their families to include five children.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, of Lehigh; sons, Roy and Theresa Johnson of Mohegan Lake, New York; Lucas Berry of Genoa, Arkansas; and Jacob and Melisa Johnson of Hillsboro; daughters, Julie Berry-Buxton of Gladstone, Missouri; and Shawna and Alex Caro of De Soto; sister, Katherine DeFilippis of Hillsboro; and 12 grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service was Saturday, July 25, 2015, at Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church, Hillsboro. Inurnment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, at a later date.
A memorial fund has been established for Brian’s Battle in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 902 E. D St., Hillsboro KS 67063. Condolences may be left at www.zeinerfuneralhomes.com.
Brian K. Berry was the younger of two children born to Gene and Marsha Berry. They were raised primarily in the Johnson County area. They grew up as a very close-knit family, and throughout his childhood years they created many family memories full of joy and laughter. Brian was very close to his sister, Kathy, who gave him the nickname Fuzzy.
He was active in baseball and track during his high school years and graduated from Shawnee Mission North. He continued through his life with one very close friend, Ron Sanders Sr.
Brian continued the Berry family tradition by joining the Marine Corps. After the Marines, Brian had one son, Lucas, and two daughters, Julie and Shawna. Brian had a love for cars and motorcycles, which led him to the field of body work. He also became a skilled carpenter and had many accomplishments, including the Elgin Hotel in Marion, Kansas.
In 1997, he met and married Judy, his loving wife of 18 years, and he gained two additional sons, Roy and Jake.
During these years, Brian created a rock band called Blusteal that performed in various locations in the Bonner Springs area. He also managed the Outlaws, who performed at the Fire Jam in Hillsboro in 2009.
Brian was blessed with 12 beautiful grandchildren: Heather, Danelle, Shelby, Dalton, Lacey, Rayna, Leland, Landyn, Olivia, Lincoln, Chloe, and Lily, of whom he was very proud.
Brian finished out his days spending time with close family and friends who loved him dearly. Brian was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle.
We all love you very much and you will be deeply missed.