March 29, 2024

Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry, the son of Arthur and Emma (Kloppenberg) Berry, was born July 30, 1933, in Baxter. Chuck attended Mingo schools. Chuck served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952 until 1954.

Chuck worked 30 years at the Maytag Company in Newton, retiring in July of 1981. He held memberships in the UAW Local No. 997 retirees union, the V.F.W. Newton Post No. 1655, the American Legion, Newton Post No. 111, and the Buick Club of America. He enjoyed cars, including watching NASCAR races and competing in stock car races in his younger years and driving his 1938 Buick in many parades throughout the years.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and playing the lottery.

Chuck died peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton. He was 80 years old. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Gene and Joe; a brother-in-law, Junior Kline; a son-in-law, Louis Bass; a nephew, Donnie Berry; and his best friend, Junk Yard Dog.

Those left to honor Chuck’s memory include his daughters, Charlotte (Paul), Carol, Twyla and Karla; three grandsons; three great-grandchildren; his sister, Wanda Kline of Baxter; his brother, Paul (Janice) Berry of Newton; a sister-in-law, Rosemary Berry of Melbourne; several nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Karen Dont of Newton.

Funeral services for Chuck will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton.

The family will greet friends today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated in Chuck’s name to the Jasper County Animal Rescue League and Humane Society or to Skiff Hospice and may be left at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home.