Stephen Andrew Berry Sr.

Stephen Andrew Berry Sr. of Longview, Wash, passed away at age 76, on January 31, 2018, in Vancouver, Wash. He was born July 27, 1941, in Galesburg, Ill., to Howard Dale Berry and Martha Jean Switzer Berry. Steve grew up in Fulton, Mo., and graduated from Fulton High School in 1959. He met Joann Setzer on June 2, 1962, in Kirksville, Mo., where they both attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College. They were married in Kirksville June 7, 1963. After graduation Steve taught high school chemistry for two years. For the next 38 years he worked in the pharmaceutical field doing research, developing medications, and engineering complex drug delivery systems. Steve holds more than 20 patents for his work with more still pending approval. During their 54 years of marriage, the Berrys lived in Missouri, Iowa, California, and Washington. Steve and his wife restored two old homes, each more than a hundred years old; one in California and one in Washington. When son Andy and daughter Leslie were children, the Berry family spent many happy weekends and vacations camping in the mountains, along the rivers, and at the beaches in California. Steve's favorite activities during that time were smelt fishing at the beach, floating down the Yuba River on an inner tube, and panning or dredging for gold. His family and friends treasure those memories. Steve and Joann enjoyed many trips traveling in the U.S. and Canada in their 1931 Model A Ford. The most memorable being a 10,000 mile drive through the Northwest Territories, the Yukon, and Alaska. They also traveled frequently in their RV and their 1959 Ford Ranchero. In addition to antique automobiles, Steve enjoyed treasure hunting with his metal detector, wood carving, cabinet building, and going to swap meets to buy parts for his many old cars. He also liked watching television, especially the news and woodworking shows. More than anything else, Steve enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a kind and considerate man who is missed by everyone who knew him. Steve was a loving husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. His passing leaves a deep sadness in the hearts of those who loved him; his wife, Joann of Longview, Wash.; son, Stephen Andrew Berry Jr. and wife Deborah of Los Gatos, Calif.; daughter, Leslie Ann Berry and husband James Anderson of Longview, Wash.; grandson, Kyle Andrew Berry of Los Gatos, Calif.; granddaughter, Alyssa Joann Berry and friend Jason Bradley of Riverside, Calif.; grandson, Campbell Thor Anderson of Longview, Wash.; sister, Susan Bewick and husband Tom of Carthage, Mo.; brother, Richard Berry and wife Deborah of Augusta, Mo.; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jim and Glenna Setzer, Donna and Roger Sperry, David and Linda Setzer, Angela and Rocky Brown, Tammy Denton, Kevin and Tonya Setzer, Carla Setzer and friend Rich Vargas; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his aunt, Marjorie Switzer; grand-niece, Rebecca Berry; father-in-law, Ray Setzer Jr., and mother-in-law, Melba Miller Setzer. A memorial service for the family and close friends will take place at a later date.