Robert W. -Rw- Berry

Robert William Berry, 87, Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at home May 12 2016. Born August 2 1928 in West Lafayette to Walter and Roberta Berry, he moved to Indianapolis in his teen years, graduating from Broad Ripple High School in 1946. A gifted athlete, Bob was also blessed with a sharp mind and a sense of adventure. He worked refueling planes at Purdue airport at age 14, traveled to Idaho with the CCC at age 15 to assist in forest management, and volunteered for Army service, ultimately training with the 82nd Airborne. After honorable discharge he used his paratroop skills as a forest service smoke jumper, deploying out of Missoula, Montana 1948-49, where he was a witness to the historic tragedy, the Mann Gulch fire. At the end of fire season, fate in the form of a traffic ticket kept him in Indianapolis long enough to meet the love of his life, Betty Duncan. In their 57 years together they built their own home, started a successful construction business, raised seven children and traveled throughout the US, Canada and Caribbean. Visitation will be Saturday May 21, 1-3 PM at Flanner & Buchanan – Speedway. Funeral service follows at 3 PM. Bob is predeceased by his wife Betty, his parents, brother Jack and sister Kathryn, and companion Patty Emmelman. Survivors include children Vickie Berry Brandt, Airforce Sergeant Jeff Berry, Matt Berry, Dr. Valerie Berry, Greg Berry, Navy1st Class Petty Officer (Retired) Lance Berry, Holly Berry Flora, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family gives special thanks to Dr. Donald Rothbaum whose skills as a cardiologist kept Bob vital and active for over 30 years. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the National Smokejumpers Association, www.smokejumpers.com

Online condolences and a video may be viewed at www.flannerbuchanan.com