Wilson Berry

Sanford Wilson Berry passed away on January 4th, 2019.

Wilson was born on September 24, 1928 in Stevenson, Alabama to Charles and Bertha Berry. He grew up in Trinity Alabama. When he turned 18, he enlisted in the Navy Reserve. Soon, his desire to fly led him to the Air Force, where he enlisted in 1950.

After finishing flight school, Wilson became a career Air Force officer and fighter pilot. His primary aircraft was the T-33 in which he accrued thousands of hours.

In 1954 he married Angel Akiki, an amazing love story that lasted over 58 years until her passing in 2012.

During his Air Force career, Wilson was stationed all over the world, serving in France, Germany, the US, Korea and Vietnam. He continued to serve stateside until April, 1970, when he retired as a Lt. Colonel. His awards included: Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters; Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star Medal; Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Service Medal First Class; Korea Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; Air Force Service Longevity Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters; Vietnam Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Combat Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; Presidential Unit Citation; and more.

After his retirement from the Air Force, Wilson completed his MBA. He then joined UMKC as Assistant Manager of Student Financial Aid. He remained with the University for 35 years, retiring as Registrar in 2007. He made many life-long friends there.

Wilson enjoyed time with Angel, fishing at Lake of the Ozarks, reading, do-it-yourself, photography, and anything computer-related. His curiosity was constant and he enjoyed learning about new technology.

In the last few years Wilson lived at the Atriums, where he made new friends and enjoyed filling his refrigerator with the candy bars he won at bingo!

Wilson was preceded in death by his wife Angel and his son Skip Berry. Wilson is remembered by his son and daughter-in-law Richard and Mary Berry; his daughter-in-law Dorothy Wozny; his grandchildren: Sarah Cranston (David), Daniel Berry, Amy Foley (Ryan), David Berry, and Isabella Berry; his great-grandchildren, Ian and Wyatt Cranston; and many extended family members.

Services will be held on Friday, January 11 ^th , 2019. The Interment Service will be at 2:30 PM at Corinth Cemetery, 3301 West 83rd Street, Prairie Village, Kansas.  The Celebration Service will be at 4:30 PM at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salute to Veterans Organization (www.salute.org).