William "Bill" F. Berry

William “Bill” F. Berry, 89, passed away peacefully at 8:35 pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Heartland Regional Medical Center with his wife Carole beside him. He was born in Decatur, Illinois on March 27, 1925 to Lyle and Ruth Berry. Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corps on March 26, 1943 and became the youngest to graduate in his class of 350 as a Fighter Pilot in the Army Air Corps. He was a 20 year old Squadron Leader and Fighter Pilot of the Thunderbolt Dive-Bombers Pilots when he was shot down and reported missing on his 121st mission over Northern Italy.  He was captured and eventually escaped crossing Italy thru the Appenines. Bill was a Squadron Leader and Fighter Pilot during WWII, Public Relations Officer, Military Government Officer, Administrative Officer and over 18 years as Commander of various reserve units. He received nineteen military decorations and numerous special awards and commendations.  He retired as a Colonel, USAF. Bill graduated from Millikin University with a BS in physics and mathematics and a MS in Educational Administration.  Bill taught Physics and Mathematics in college, high school and industry. Bill’s previous civic activities include; President, Central Illinois Home Builders Assoc., Chairman, Construction Industry Committee; Assoc. of Commerce; Civil Defense Director; President, Reserve Officers Association; Special Mayor’s Committees; service club and other civic activities involving education, Boy Scouts and Civil Air Patrol. Bill held an Atomic Energy Commission License to possess and use radioactive materials, was Government Certified to teach “Education for Survival”, he was an author, a Special Editor for Mathematics Teacher Magazine, an Instructor of “Applied Mathematics” at Boeing and as an instructor of NCO Leadership under government contract, and a track official. He was a member of International Mensa. He retired to Marion to assist his elderly parents and to enjoy many various civic, educational and entertaining events and all the restaurants.  He was a lifetime member of the Congressionally Chartered American Ex-Prisoners of War, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Air Force Association, the Military Officer Assoc. of America, the P47 Thunderbolt Pilots Association and the 57th Fighter Group. He is survived by his wife Carole and children W. Bruce Berry (Judy) of Decatur, Brad W. Berry of Havertown, PA, Blake C. Berry (Chrissie) of Herrin, Jeff S. Berry (Connie) of Spring Lake, MI, Stephanie A. Chilingerian (Raffy) of Newton, NJ, Daughter-in-law Cindy K. Berry of Decatur, step children Cheryl A. Laban (Howard) of Comins, MI and Ryder A. Youd of Westminster, MD, grandchildren Sherri Berry, Troy Berry, Kelly Bramel, B. Keith Berry, Kirk Berry, Kasey Berry, Scott Berry, Ali Berry, Lena Kate Chilingerian, Harry Chilingerian; step grandchildren Courtney Laban, Tyler Laban, Breanna McDermott, Brandy Maguire, Jenna Maguire, Brian Maguire, Larry Piesecki, Chris Hyatt, Samantha Smith, and Nate Taylor; 10 great grandchildren and step grandchildren and 1 step grandchild on the way.  Also his nieces Jenny Garshelis (Renny) and Cindy Trout (Gary), great nephews and great, great nephew and niece and close friends.  He is also survived by his sister Shirley Best of Marion. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Lyle and Ruth Berry and his son Brian C. Berry. Bill deeply loved all of his family and had a great sense of humor.  He enjoyed fishing and would take his boat on many long trips to Canada and other places to fish for pike and many types of fresh water fish, the only type he would eat.  He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. He attended church at St. Joseph Church in Marion and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Herrin. The funeral mass will be Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 11 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion with Monsignor Thomas Flach officiating.  Military rites will be presented at the conclusion of the service by members of Marion's VFW Post #1301, American Legion Post #147 and Scott Air Force Base military honors unit.  Visitation will be Friday from 4 pm - 7pm at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion.  Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery on April 17, 2015 at 3 pm with full military honors with his wife and their families proudly in attendance.