John F. Berry, 60, went to be with the Lord on Oct. 23, 2010. He passed peacefully at home while sleeping.

Born Dec. 24, 1949, in Portsmouth, OH, to Franklin L. and Ivy Jean, he graduated from Minford High School (1967), Ohio University (1971) with a B.A. in Business, and The Ohio State University College of Law (1976).  

John lived in Grove City, Ohio, and practiced law in Columbus for 24 years. In 2000, he returned to Minford, Ohio, and practiced law in Portsmouth until taking the position of Juvenile Court Magistrate for Scioto County. He was a member of the Scioto County and Ohio State Bar Associations.

John was the head coach of the Minford High School freshman football team. He also served as the strength and conditioning coach for the Minford football team and had coached several other teams, including the Minford Middle School football teams.

John was an active member of Sunshine Church of Christ, serving the church in many roles.

John entered the United States Army in 1971, serving for 15 years, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He earned numerous decorations, including the Air Assault Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, and the coveted Green Beret of the U.S. Army Special Forces.

John will be especially remembered for his athletic abilities and love of sports, his dedication to the local community, his commitment to the Minford football program, and his deep love for his family.

Survivors include loving wife, Rhonda S. Berry; sons, Joshua F. Berry and Sean R. Berry; daughters, Erin E. Berry and Kylie P. Berry; daughter-in-law, Laura L. Berry; grandchildren, Johnathan F., Jessica L., and Elijah S. Berry; sister, Joan E. Roberts (Bill); brother, David E. Berry (Sonna), and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation services will be held on Oct. 26 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Sunshine Church of Christ, 7330 State Route 335, Portsmouth, Ohio. Funeral services will be held on Oct. 27, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Sunshine Church of Christ. Arrangements are under the direction of Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford.

Online condolences may be sent to www.edafh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the John F. Berry Memorial Fund, care of Desco Federal Credit Union, 575 West Street, Minford, OH 45653. This family is establishing this fund to continue John’s commitment to the Minford football program.

John’s family would like to thank the Minford community and the Sunshine Church of Christ for their help and support.