Dorwin J. Berry

Dorwin J. Berry, 89, of 30 Marvin Ave., died Friday morning in the Crestwood Care Center in Shelby following an extended illness.

He was born Aug. 20, 1902, in Old Fort, to Alphonso Lee and Anne Gertrude Hayes Berry, both now deceased.

Mr. Berry was the grandson and namesake of a Civil War veteran. He and his father were produce whole-salers in Norwalk and Shelby and they later owned the Oasis Restaurant in Shelby. Through his years in Shelby, Mr. Berry enjoyed secondary careers as a cattle farmer, an exotic bird dealer and an author of two books.

He was active in local conservation and reforestation efforts and served multiple terms as president of the Shelby Conservation League. During the 1960s he was recognized by the state of Ohio for his efforts.

He was a member of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Mildred Wagner Berry, whom he married Nov. 17, 1972; two daughters: Jeanne M. Berry of Shelby and Sister Ruth A. Berry O.S.F. of Goias, Brazil; three sons: William B. of South Bend, IN, James T. of Palm Springs, CA. and Richard L. of Columbus; 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; four step-children; and a brother, Robert Alphonso Berry of Fort Wright, KY.

He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Norma Clair Laux Berry in 1967; a son, Dorwin J. Berry, Jr. in 1933; a sister, Agnes Rose McKnight; and two grandchildren.

Calling hours are Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Turner Funeral Home in Shelby where the rosary will be recited at 8:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby by Rev. James E. Steinle. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Norwalk.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church or the Sisters of St. Francis, Joliet, IL, in care of i;he funeral home.