DONIPHAN, Mo. - Ronald Timothy Berry, 87, of Doniphan, Mo., passed away on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 at Gideon Care Center.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Fellowship General Baptist Church. Edwards Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Mr. Berry was born on Oct. 25, 1937, in Mississippi County to Edna and Robert R. Berry, who preceded him in death. On July 10, 1966, he married Millicent Chance in Poplar Bluff. She preceded him in death on Nov. 16, 2010. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a St. Louis City Police officer before joining the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 1967. He also spent many years in the Army National Guard 1138th Military Police Company.

Among his extended family and friends, Mr. Berry was well loved and known for his devotion to his wife and family. In a letter nominating him for The Prospect-News Father of the Year in 1990 (which he won), his daughter said, “His respect and love for our mother set an example for us to follow in our own relationships.” He was a beloved father and doting grandfather who enjoyed watching and hearing about his family’s successes and accomplishments. He attended a myriad of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities - dance and piano recitals, sports matches, band and choir concerts, school assemblies and such. His grandchildren were proud when he attended Veterans Day assemblies with them - including his time in reserves, their grandpa served in all branches of the military except the Coast Guard.

He enjoyed traveling with his wife to visit family members. After her death, his daughters were his travel companions.

Mr. Berry was an avid golfer. He began as a caddy at age 12 to earn money for his family. After moving to Doniphan in 1969, the Berrys joined the Current River Country Club to give their children access to a swimming pool. He was a familiar figure there for decades, serving on the board and on various committees. He taught his children to play golf, telling them it was a lifelong sport that could provide opportunities to build personal and business relationships. 

He was well known for his dedication to serving his country and his neighbors. He volunteered at the Doniphan VFW as Post Commander and as a member of the color guard for funerals for many years. He also helped put up flags in town on holidays.

Survivors include one son, Rob Berry of Irvine, Calif.; two daughters, Lori (Robbie) Myers of Poplar Bluff, and Christy (Michael) Smith of Doniphan; seven grandchildren, Logan (Taylor) Smith of Doniphan; Taylor (Michelle) Smith of Cabot, Ark., Micah (Ethan) Roach of Poplar Bluff; Brennan Myers of Poplar Bluff, Reagan Myers of Columbia, Lauren Berry and Jason Berry of Irvine; and five great-grandchildren, Finley, Sutton and Matthew Smith, and Shepherd and Colbie Roach. He was preceded in death by a sister, Joy Jones, and a brother, Rebous Berry.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society “The MASTERS”, 780 County Road 383, Whitewater, MO 63785