Billy D. Berry

Bill Berry, 81, of Kansas City, KS passed away peacefully on Sunday July 25th He is preceded in death by his mother and father Delbert and Myrtle Berry of Lebanon, MO. Bill is survived by Veta, his beloved wife of 61 years, his daughter, Britta Rangel of Kansas City, MO, his son Jeff Berry of Albuquerque, NM and their spouses Xavier and Diane. His 11 Grandchildren, Heather Newberry, Marsha Rymer, Stephanie Dominguez, Melanie Irwin, Justin Berry, Jared Berry, Rachel Berry, Alexandra Leonard, Marissa Rangel, Gabriella Lamkey, and Joseph Rangel. His 13 Great Grandkids, Alexis Rymer, Keagan Newberry, Mariah Dominguez, Payton Newberry, Drake Green, Rylee Green, Aiden Newberry, Dominic Irwin, Trent Rymer, Juliana Irwin, Nora Leonard, James Leonard, and Olivia Leonard. Bill is also survived by his siblings Ivan Berry and Janeen Moore. In addition to his love of family, was his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For over 42 years, Bill was an ever-present fixture of New Story Church, and was seen welcoming members and guests with a smile at the back door on any given Sunday. One of Bill’s favorite passage of scripture was: Philippians 2 Verse 5-8 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Closely behind family and faith was Bill’s passion for hard work, railroading, and blue grass music. Bill loved to create and sing endearing songs about his loved ones, and well known for his side-splitting sendoffs for his fellow co-workers, and for those that were blessed to have heard them, you knew how funny he was. For a sampling of Bill’s famous tunes https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLk451ut6emHDLxtDV1kReBQPXCk7D1B1 He spent over four decades as a pipefitter in the Argentine Yards of the Santa Fe Railroad (now known as Burlington Northern; however, Bill refused to acknowledge their existent over the Santa Fe name). For friends and family to define him in a few short sentences is impossible, but he loved his wife, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids more than anything. He was the hardest working man we knew. He was brought up to believe if you wanted to get ahead in life, it took hard work and Dad brought that attitude every day, at work and at home. He taught us to love, to laugh, forgive, to be someone you could count on regardless of your need. And always protect your character and your name. For those of us he leaves behind, it’s an impossible pair of shoes to fill, but it is our family commitment to try every day. Bill’s Funeral will take place at New Story Church located at 5500 Woodend on Friday August 6th at 12:00 noon. The viewing will take place that same morning from 10:00-12:00. The only solace we take away from his passing, is today, Bill Berry, a friend a husband, a dad and grandpa is entertaining Jesus Christ and all the heavens with his songs and singing. The family appreciates flowers or a donation to one of Bill’s favorite passions, the New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Association – Bill followed the rebuilding of the 2926 Steam Engine and would love to see it fully restored and back on the rails so he can watch from heaven. http://nmslrhs.org/Help/howtohelp.php#donate Please indicate in the “special instructions to the seller” your donation is in honor of Bill Berry.

Tributes

Billy D. Berry

May 1, 1940 - July 25, 2021