Willis E. Berry, age 87, of Springfield, Mo., passed away Friday, November 5, 2010, in Maranatha Village.
He was born February 7, 1923, in Topeka, Kan., to Allen and Elvia (May) Berry. He graduated from Washburn Rural High School, Topeka, Kan., and attended Kansas University, served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, then completed his education at Texas Christian University.
He was a minister with the Assemblies of God denomination for 65 years. His ministry included pastoral service in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Minnesota, and Kentucky. He served as the Business Administrator of Evangel College in Springfield, Mo., and North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, Minn.; founding Secretary of Christian Fidelity Life Insurance Company; Secretary-Treasurer and then Superintendent of the South Texas District of the Assemblies of God.
Willis was preceded in death by his parents, Allen M. Berry and Elvia M. Berry; four brothers, Roy, Cleetis, Elton, and John Berry; and his sister, Thea Berry Crabtree.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Berry, of Springfield, Mo.; three daughters and their spouses, Judith and Jerry Campbell, Janeth and Lynn Bowen, and Joan and Bruce Bazella; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Norma Berry.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, November 8, 2010, in Maranatha Chapel, with Reverend Hubert Morris officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., on Monday, November 8, 2010, in Marantha Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Seasons Hospice Organization.
Services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North.