E. Jay Berry

Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, E. Jay Berry passed away peacefully on October 9, 2022, at the age of 88. Jay was born on December 13, 1933 to John Eldon and Fay Walker Berry in Burley, Idaho. He was the second oldest of four children (two sisters and one brother). Jay grew up on an 80-acre family farm in Unity Ward where he remembers milking cows, driving a team of four horses, and riding his favorite horse, Tony.

Jay attended Burley High School where he was involved in many leadership positions in The Future Farmers of America organization. He participated in speaking contests on local, state and national levels and won many public speaking awards. Jay graduated from Utah State University in 1958 with a bachelor's degree in agriculture and an ROTC Commission in the Army Artillery, serving for six months at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and another eight years in the Utah National Guard and obtaining the rank of Captain. Jay received a Master's degree in agricultural economics in 1961.

One highlight of his life was serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the New England States Mission where he was known as "Elderberry." Jay had a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ and of His restored gospel.

While at Utah State, Jay met his forever sweetheart, Lerene Richards from Ogden. They met at the cafeteria where they chatted in line and she followed him to his table. They were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on April 18, 1957. They are the parents of four children—Arnett, Kenneth, Robert, and David. They raised their family in Logan until they moved to River Heights in 1985.

He worked hard to support his family. Jay's employment included: Utah Mortgage for 12 years and Logan Savings for 18 years where he eventually served as manager and president. He worked as a real estate appraiser for Cache Mortgage and Zion's Mortgage, then as an Independent Fee Appraiser until full retirement in 2003.

Jay spent a lifetime serving others in positions in the church including Bishop of the Logan 16th Ward, Gospel Doctrine teacher, High Councilor, a mission with Lerene to the Little Rock Arkansas Mission, Logan Temple Worker, and a leader in the USU Singles Stake.

In Logan, Jay was actively involved in many community organizations where he served as president of the Jaycees and Rotary Club, was a member of Logan's Planning and Zoning Committee, and chairman of the River Heights Planning and Zoning.

In his younger days, Jay enjoyed deer hunting every fall and snowmobiling every winter. He had many hobbies and interests such as: photography, family history, keeping detailed journals, putting together large puzzles, taking care of his beautiful yard and home, and relaxing at the family cabin in beautiful Logan Canyon. Jay and Lerene hosted many parties and gatherings at their home and cabin throughout the years.

Having a great love for travel, Jay and Lerene visited many wonderful places throughout the world, including Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, Denmark, Japan, England, Italy, Greece, the Holy Land, and China.

Jay has always shown great love and care for his wife, Lerene, and has been very involved and supportive of his children and grandchildren. He attended countless recitals, ball games, baby blessings, baptisms, Eagle Scout Awards, birthday celebrations, missionary farewells, and temple marriages. We as a family will always cherish the happy traditions of USU Homecoming gatherings each October, rolling Easter eggs down Old Main Hill, breakfasts at the family cabin on the 4th of July, and Christmas Eve gatherings complete with Grandpa Berry reading "The Night Before Christmas".

We will truly miss this kind and gentle man and are so grateful for his strength and wisdom. We will fondly remember his sincere and heart-felt prayers. Our lives have been blessed by his loving guidance and great example of goodness, generosity and diligent service.

Jay is survived by his dear wife, Lerene, and by his four children—Arnett (Charles) Zurcher of Providence; Ken (Samraing) Berry of South Jordan; Bob (Elise) Berry of Hyrum; and Dave (Teresa) Berry of Mesa, Arizona—19 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. Jay is also survived by his older sister, Delores Stoker, of Burley Idaho.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Shirley Haycock, his brother, Arlin Berry, and by a precious granddaughter, Allisa Berry.

Our family expresses deep appreciation to the wonderful staff at Legacy House of Logan and Enhabit Hospice for their loving concern and special care of Jay.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 12:00 noon at the River Heights Stake Center, 800 S 600 E, River Heights, Ut. A viewing will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Allen-Hall Mortuary located at 34 E. Center in Logan, Ut. Prior to the funeral there will be a viewing from 10:30-11:30 am at the River Heights Stake Center. Internment will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared online at allenmortuaries.com.

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