David R. Berry

David R. Berry, 87, of Owensboro died Friday, January 23, 2015 at the Heartford House. He was born in Cloverport, Kentucky to the late Thomas Owen and Della Mae Berry.

Mr. Berry was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict.

He and his wife had lived in the same house since the 1950's making it a home for themselves, their daughter and their grandchildren. A tireless man, he worked as a painter since his naval discharge and owned his own business doing so for more than 40 years until his retirement loving and supporting his family. He was a U.K. Wildcat fanatic deriving joy from their victories and sorrow from their defeats. David enjoyed catching up with fellow-painters at his favorite paint store before the start of his workday, tending to his tomato plants, working the crossword puzzle in the newspaper each morning and regaling all who crossed his path with stories of his time in the Navy and the events of the World War II era.

He was preceded in death by a brother, John Berry, and a sister, Mary Owen Holt.

A man for whom no sacrifice for his family was too great, Mr. Berry is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Jo Midkiff Berry; a daughter, Judith Berry of Owensboro; grandsons, Todd Baggarly of Lexington and Brian Baggarly (Pauline) of Apex, NC; and great-grandsons, Nate and Ryan Robinson of Apex, NC.

The family will hold a private memorial service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Western Kentucky 3419 Wathen's Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301.


If love could have kept you alive, you would have never died.