Nelson F. Berry, 67, Vietnam War Veteran
Nelson F. Berry, 67, of Elyria, died Sunday Sept. 20, 2009 at West Bay Care Center in Westlake after a lengthy illness.
He was born Sept. 23, 1941 in South Williamson, Kentucky and had resided in Elyria for 11 years moving from Lorain where he had moved to after the Vietnam War.
Nelson served with the US Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Ranger aircraft carrier. He was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Award. He also attended the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Memphis, Tennessee and completed courses to become an Aviation Structural Mechanic.
He worked at US Steel in Lorain in the electric shop for 38 years retiring in 1995.
He was a member of VFW Post #451 of Lorain and VFW Post #1079 in Elyria. He enjoyed fishing, bingo, reading, taking care of his family and friends, puzzles, card games, old westerns with John Wayne and exchanging war stories with family and friends.
He is survived by his children Scott Bennington (Debbie) of Columbus, Adam Bennington of Elyria, Hope Settie (Todd) of Lorain and Amanda “Mindy” Berry of Elyria, 8 grandchildren, mother Kathleen Nelson-Berry of Kentucky and brothers Colon Gray Berry of Kentucky and Neal Rollins of Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his wife Ilene F. Berry (nee Wisneski) in 2008, son Jeffrey Bennington and brother Joseph Berry, Jr.
The family will receive friends Thursday 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until the time of funeral services at 8 p.m. at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain. Elder Leon Caver, outreach coordinator for the Cathedral of Praise Family Worship Center in Lorain, will officiate. VFW #451 of Lorain will conduct military honors. Cremation will follow.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Veterans Administration Wade Park Facility, 10701 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH. 44106.
Online condolences may be made at www.gluvna.net.