Elton Berry was born in Goose Creek, Texas, the son of W.W. and Allyne Berry. The family moved to Thorndale and later to Taylor, Texas. His siblings were Weldon Berry and Joan Rutherford.

He is survived by his wife Joanne Berry and daughters Jeanne Landacre and Suzanne Berry-Little (Kevin) and granddaughters Paige Simpkins, Tori Simpkins and Emma Houston. Also, surviving him are his sister Joan Rutherford, sister-in-law Betty Randig, and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Elton graduated from Taylor High School in 1962. He made good grades and excelled in sports - football, shot put and baseball. He served as Tri-Captain of both football and track teams. In 1967 he graduated from Texas A&M with a B.S. in Animal Science.

Elton and Joanne were married on June 1, 1964 in Taylor. In the fall they moved to College Station where Elton attended Texas A&M, graduating in 1967 with a B.S. in Animal Science. The family relocated to Lake Jackson with nine-month-old daughter Jeanne. Elton began his 30-year career with Dow as a Research Technician, primarily in Organic Products Research. Suzanne was born in 1968. The family became members of St. Mark Lutheran Church in 1967 and continued until his death, serving in many roles at St. Mark. Elton began building the family home in 1972. He first built a small version and then soon began the "big house" which he finished in 1979. There was now time for hobbies shooting, canoeing, hiking, leather goods, etc. He was a member of Greenwood Gun Club where he made long-time friends. Elton was a great Dad and encouraged his daughters to excel in their studies and interests and most of all he brought them up in the church.

Elton would have a family of girls two daughters and three granddaughters -- Paige, Emma, and Tori who were born in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Now he took on the important role of mentoring more girls and he spent a lot of time photographing, fishing, and teaching the granddaughters.

Elton had strong friendships with many people. He enjoyed his Dow friends and said that he enjoyed every day of work. There were church friends and activities. There were many close friends with whom he enjoyed shooting, hiking and canoeing. There were many trips to Big Bend and Grand Canyon and also weekly visits to the gun range. He made years of trips to Camp Perry, Ohio for competitive shooting.

Elton was an interesting person and easily made friends. Once he met you he never forgot your name or where or when you met. His memory was amazing even until the end. He loved to talk and enjoyed everyone. He was loved and admired by many. He will especially be greatly missed by his family. He was a great Husband, Dad and Grandfather. We thank him for his strength, his optimism and his love. Well done, good and faithful servant. Rest in peace.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 501 Willow Drive, Lake Jackson, at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 10.

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