Harvey Levi Berry

Harvey Levi Berry was the eldest of three children born to the late Harvey Reece Berry and Myrtle Hoyle Berry. He was born on April 10, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, sharing a birthday with his beloved mother. On August 11, 1972, Harvey married the love of his life, Beatta Berry née Cannon. Their union was blessed with two children, Lawrence Steven Berry and Heather Melissa Berry, and they enjoyed 52 years of devoted marriage. Harvey’s educational journey began in 1949 in St. Louis, MO, where he attended Saint Nicholas and Saint Malachy Catholic Schools and Lincoln Elementary. As a youth, Harvey was an altar boy, a newspaper delivery boy for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, a patrol captain and even worked at Christ Southern Mission Missionary Baptist Church on the weekends. At just 12 years old, he joined the Civil Air Patrol youth cadet program. A proud “Wolverine” and graduate of Vashon High School, Class of 1962, Harvey excelled in academics, sports, music, and student government. He earned varsity letters in tennis and cross-country; he played the clarinet and saxophone, and participated in the jazz and marching bands. As a student leader, he was elected Student Council President for both his junior and senior years and served as Vice President of the newly formed Citywide St. Louis Student Council. During his tenure, Harvey successfully advocated and was instrumental in addressing discrepancies and inequalities in North City Schools, leading to improvements in resources and facilities. In 1966, Harvey enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as Military Police (Air Police Officer). His service took him around the world, including Southeast Asia and Madrid, Spain. While in Bangkok he worked for SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) and provided security for the Queen of Thailand. During his time oversees he also trained and was proficient in the Japanese martial art form of Judo. Upon returning to the U.S., he earned an Associate Degree in Business from St. Louis Community College and embarked on a successful career in sales. Harvey spent over 15 years with the Lou Fusz Automotive Group, his longest tenured and most rewarding position, which earned him numerous accolades and awards for his exceptional salesmanship. He also volunteered with Junior Achievement and St. Louis Public Schools teaching students about decision-making and accountability. In 1988, Harvey joined the Missouri Air National Guard. During his tenure, he helped build a first-aid station and school in St. Kitts and Nevis and served in Kuwait during Desert Storm, where he promoted troop morale and fitness programs. He retired as a Master Sergeant in April 2003, completing 20 years of distinguished military service and honorably serving our country. A devout parishioner of St. Angela Merici Catholic Church for 45 years, Harvey lived a life rooted in faith and treating others with kindness and respect. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Harvey and Beatta did everything and went everywhere together and if you know them you know you would rarely see one without the other. He was the epitome and essence of a true family man who provided a wonderful life for his family and whose life was a reflection of his values: hard work, loyalty and unconditional love. Harvey cherished spending time with family, vacations, reading, music, dancing, walking, sports, and going to St. Louis Cardinals games. On December 6, 2024, at 3:39 p.m., Harvey received his heavenly wings. He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Beatta Berry; son, Lawrence Steven Berry; daughter, Heather Melissa Berry-Bedford (Eddrick); granddaughter, Lauryn Alyse Berry; siblings, Yvonne Harris and Sharon Sharp; brothers-in-law Charles Cannon, Willie Cannon, Zack Cannon (Martha), Ernest Cannon, Johnny Lee Cannon (Andrea); sister-in-law Shirley (Cannon) Johnson (George); five nephews; one niece; four great-nephews; nine great-nieces; and a host of loving relatives and friends. Harvey’s legacy of love, leadership, and service will forever be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Tributes

Harvey Levi Berry

April 10, 1944 - December 6, 2024