James Leon Berry

   James Leon Berry was born on June 27, 1940 in Hanna, OK to Everett Berry and Verneil (Robertson) Berry. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1961 and served two years in Germany as an Army mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1963. While serving overseas, he received letters from a beautiful young woman named Patricia Spear. He was smitten and determined to make her "Mrs. Berry." James and Pat were married on June 18, 1964 and remained together for 58 wonderful years. To this union was born four children: Robin, Deborah, Angela and James Berry II.

   James was a jack of all trades, and during this time of his life he wore many hats. He operated a gas station in Hanna for two years before becoming a gifted farmer and avid rancher. Through the years, he planted many acres of peanuts, soybeans, corn, maize, watermelons, and cantaloupe. He was a devoted school bus driver for Hanna Public Schools for 50 years, retiring in 2020. He attained many honors in his life, including Outstanding Farm Family in 1979 and 1990 and Hanna Watermelon King in 1985. He received his Masonic Lodge 50-year pin in 2022; and had a host of other recognitions for his devotion to his to his family and community. He was well known for his kindness, humility and quick wit. He was always willing to help anyone, no matter what time of day or night.

   James was an exemplary husband, father, farmer and rancher but perhaps his greatest title of all was Grandpa. He had 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Every single child received their own special nickname from Grandpa. He was a huge supporter of all of his grandchildren and highly valued education and hard work and instilled these values in all of his family. He loved watching OSU, Thunder games and western movies with his grandkids.

James has left a beautiful legacy for his family, but most of all he gifted us with the assurance of his salvation through Jesus Christ. He was saved and baptized at age 79 in front of all of his family at Weogufkee Indian Baptist Church. He set an incredible example for his family and even in our grief, we are joyful in the knowledge that he is in Heaven with his Savior, and we will see him again someday.

   James is preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Verneil (Robertson) Berry; his father and mother-in-law Zack and Marie Spear; his sister, Glenda Waldrip; his brother, Johnny Berry; his sister-in-law Margaret Berry; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Wilma and J.C. Bogard.

   Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years Patricia Berry of the home; his children, Robin and Darrell Proctor, Deborah and Rance Fogle, Angela and Harold Long, and James and Shelley Berry all of Hanna; his grandchildren, Zackery and Jaycee Fogle, Kelsey and Yonah Two Bears, Amberly and Jordan Sampson, Rance Fogle II, Darrell Proctor II, Madison Long, Lance Fogle, Brailey Fogle, Wyatt Long, James Berry III, Avery Berry and Harold Long III; and great-grandchildren Gabriel Fogle and Kai Two Bears; his brother, Gary Berry and sister Diane and Michael Ward; his brother-in-law Bob Waldrip and sister-in-law Sharon Berry; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

   Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Zackery Fogle, Rance Fogle II, Darrell Proctor II, Lance Fogle, Wyatt Long, James Berry III and Harold Long III. Honorary pallbearers will be: Roger Smith, Ireland Smith Jr, Keith Bogle, Randy Bogle, Ronnie Joe Burleson, and Donald Hopkins.

   Viewing for James will be from 3:00 pm till 8:00 pm on Friday, February 3, 2022 at Integrity Funeral Service, 410 East Trudgeon Street, Henryetta, Oklahoma.

   Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the Hanna School Gymnasium. Interment with military honors will follow in Hanna Cemetery under direction of Integrity Funeral Service.

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