Donald Wallace Berry

Donald Wallace Berry, 79, of Topeka, KS, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 12, 2018, while at his second home in Lakeland, FL.

Donald was born March 27, 1938, the son of Claude Berry and Lois "Dorothy" Spaeth. He attended Topeka High School, and on September 2, 1961, he married Darleen Kay Liles.

Donald worked for various construction companies prior to operating Berry Backhoe Service for over 25 years. Upon retirement in 1997, Don and Darleen, his wife of 56 years, began spending winters in Florida. There he loved serving his neighbors as street captain and enjoyed the camaraderie of his many new friends from around the US and Canada. Don was an avid golfer and longtime member of Lake Shawnee Golf Course. He could often be found watching sports or working in his yard and catering to the birds. Don enjoyed visiting, full of stories, and could strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He attended Eastside Baptist Church in Topeka and Medulla Baptist Church in Lakeland.

Grateful to have shared his life, he is survived by his wife, Darleen; son, Michael (Kim) Berry, Ozawkie, KS; daughter Donette (Tim) Ek, Lincoln, NE; daughter, Michelle (Stephen) McDonald, Rogersville, MO; brother Larry (Rita) Berry, Topeka, KS; sister Kathy (Dan) Fox, Topeka, KS; nine grandchildren, one great-grandson and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and many brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 19, 2018, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel. Family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time. Burial will follow at Topeka Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, Topeka, 1315 SW. Arrowhead Dr. Topeka, KS 66604.

To share a memory with Donald's family, please visit the guestbook below.