Orvis Lynn Berry

Orvis L. Berry, 94, of Battle Creek died at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence on Sunday, September 28, 2014, with his family at his side.

He was born April 23, 1920 in Allegan, Michigan to Burr M. and Lois F. (Babcock) Berry. Orvis grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1938 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. He took numerous Savings and Loan Courses at Indiana University and Michigan State University; and was a certified real estate appraiser with the Society of Real Property Appraisers. Orvis honorably served the United States of America as a Sergeant with the 127th Army Airways Communication System in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, including China, Burma and India, during WWII, working as a control tower operator. He retired on April 30, 1984, as the Executive Vice President of the former Great Lakes Savings and Loan Association in Battle Creek, where he was employed 38 years.

Orvis Lynn Berry was united in marriage to the former E. Lavon McCarthy on July 22, 1939 in Battle Creek. Surviving is Lavon, his wife of 75 years; three daughters, Lois Ann (Eldon) Thompson and Sandy Lee (Donia) Berry both of San Diego, CA, and Carol Lynne (Dan) Monette of Battle Creek; four grandchildren, Kenneth (Myrna) Dontje of Chula Vista, CA, Shannon (Jason) Hunter of Raleigh, NC, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Eric (Chris) Thompson of Washington D.C., David (Ai) Thompson of Honolulu, Hawaii; nine great-grandchildren. Orvis was preceded in death by two brothers, Clayton and Don Berry and a sister, Gwendolyn Berry.

Orvis was the oldest living member of First Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir for 60+ years. He helped originate and served in the Stephen Ministry at First Presbyterian since 1985. Orvis also helped with the church hospital visitations, the Jail Ministry, and worked as a Salvation Army Soup Kitchen volunteer. He was a 65 year member of the Battle Creek Kiwanis Club, where over the years he served on just about every conceivable committee and project. He was also a 65 year member of the American Legion Post #298. Orvis was a longtime Community Hospital Auxiliary volunteer and served as the Gift Shop and Gift Shop Board treasurer. Orvis played violin and was a longtime member of the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. In high school, he played the trombone and had his own dance band called Berry's Melody Masters. He also served for 19 years as a member of the Battle Creek Board of Education, where he worked on its Hosts program from its establishment through to the end. Orvis served on the Michigan Community Service Commission Senior Advisory Council for three years. He enjoyed nature, trees, sports and music and loved traveling with Lavon.

Friends will be received by Orvis' family 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where, funeral services to celebrate his life will be officiated by Rev. Patricia J. Weatherwax 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 2, 2014. Military honors and interment will be held for the family at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Battle Creek Kiwanis Club or Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.