Mr. Claude Walter Berry

Claude was born June 26, 1925 in Burke County to the late Walter and Maude Abee Berry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Clyde and Charlie Berry and four sisters, Ethel Smith, Alma Lochte, Ruth Wilson, Clara Berry, step- mother, Gertie Berry, and step- brother, Boyd Smith.

He was a member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Mo Synod where he was a Sunday School Teacher for more than 50 years, Exchange Club of Hickory, retired as a regional director for Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC. and was a veteran of WW II having served in the US Navy. He also served for many years as a Camp Linn Haven board member.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Marian Berry of the home; son, Steven Berry and wife, Kathleen, of Denver, CO; daughter, Rita Sipe and husband, Keith, of Denver, NC; grandsons, Brandon Sipe and wife, Kala, of Lincolnton and Justin Berry of Norway; granddaughter, Courtney Sipe Deskus and husband, Curtis, of Iron Station; great -grandsons, Eli Sipe of Lincolnton and Garrett Sipe of Lincolnton; great- granddaughter, Kaitlyn Sipe of Lincolnton; sisters, Rachel Huffman and husband, Hal Huffman, Sr. of Hickory, Jean Green and husband, Bob of High Point; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 P. M. Sunday at St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Mo Synod with Rev. David Guelzow and Rev. David Ziehr officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors conducted by American Legion Post #48.

The family will receive friends before the memorial service from 2:00 – 3:15 P. M.

Memorials may be made to St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Mo Synod, 2304 Springs Rd., N. E., Hickory, N. C. 28601.

Condolences may be made online at www.hickoryfh.com.

Hickory Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.