ROBERT BERRY

Robert Lee Berry, age 77, of Columbia City passed away at 6:00 a.m. Thursday, October 18, 2012 at Health Center at Richland Place, Nashville, TN where he resided since March to be near his daughter. Born April 26, 1935, in Terre Haute, IN, he was the son of Richard and Flossie (Benefield) Berry.

Mr. Berry spent his early life in the Terre Haute area where he graduated from Concannon High School in West Terre Haute with the Class of 1953. He received his Bachelors degree in history from Indiana State University, graduating in 1957. He completed his education with a Master's degree in history from Ball State University. Mr. Berry first taught history and coached the boy's basketball team from 1957-1961 in Lewisville. He and his family moved to Columbia City in 1961 where he taught U. S. History at Columbia City High School until retiring in 1996 as Chair of the History Department. His memberships included Columbia City United Methodist Church and the Free Masons.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth (Dr. Michael)Schatzlein, Nashville, TN; son, Stephen Berry, Fort Myers Beach, FL; grandson, Derek Schatzlein, West Lafayette; granddaughter, Lauren Holloway, Columbia City; sister, Emmabelle Lowry, Terre Haute; several nieces and nephews; and many friends, both in Columbia City and Nashville. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Eugene and James Berry.

A private burial was held Monday afternoon at Nolt Cemetery, Columbia City. A public memorial service will be held Friday, November 23, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Columbia City United Methodist Church, 605 N Forest Parkway, Columbia City. Pastor David Arnold will officiate. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Berry to Columbia City United Methodist Church.