Obituary of Quinton Lee Berry

Quinton Lee Berry November 26, 1919 - August 13, 2011 Quinton Lee Berry, 91, of La Porte, Texas passed August 13th, 2011. He was born on November 26th, 1919 in Poolville, Texas to Joseph S. and Roxie Berry. He graduated from Poolville High School in 1935 and went on to go to Weatherford Jr. College. He then went to NTSTC and graduated August 10th, 1940 with a major in chemistry. He completed his Master’s Degree in 1941 while working as a chemistry lab assistant (for $25.00 a month) and decided to go for gold ring at UT Austin and paid for a room in Austin in advance. Wise Co. draft board wanted to induct him into the Army but allowed him a deferment to be the High School Principal at Graford, Texas while the situation simmered in Europe. He taught math, biology, chemistry, and was the basketball coach. After Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Navy in January 1942 in Dallas. He trained as a navy engineering officer and he reported for duty at US Naval Academy in Annapolis. He remained there 120 days as a 1st classman since all were college graduates and ranked the same as the regular midshipmen who finished four years at the academy. The Battleship South Dakota was the final training for the new ensigns who had just graduated in August. He was sent to Los Angeles to learn about diesel engines then to Portland, Oregon. He was assigned to LST 469 as the engineering officer and proceeded down the Snake River to the Pacific Ocean. The confluence of the river and ocean produced an extremely turbulent situation. The ship did antics for which the personnel had not been trained. The ship was loaded with trucks, diesel fuel, and two LSM’s welded to the top deck. Much later a Japanese sub fired two torpedoes. One hit mid ship and the ship drifted aimlessly for two days until an Australian ocean-going tug boat pulled them safely to land for repairs. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1945 but continued after WWII in the Naval Reserves for a total of 20 years earning a rank of Lieutenant Commander. Then he returned to UT Austin for additional graduate work. He also worked as an Analytical Chemist for Shell Oil for 36 years. Preceded in death by his parents and daughter Pastor Patti Armstrong. Survivors are his Wife of 60 years, Judy F. Berry, Son Joe Berry and Wife Lisa, Son-in-law John Armstrong, Grandchildren Quinton Garret Berry, Stephen Daniel Armstrong and Wife Mary, and Patrick Cole Armstrong. Best friend Dr. JC Stallings of Huntsville, Texas. Susan Hogge and Husband Duane, Phil Nelson and Wife Audrey, Cindy Rohe and Husband Roark. Pallbearers Quinton G. Berry, Stephen Armstrong, Patrick Armstrong, Eric Hogge, Marcus Jimenez, and John Armstrong. A viewing will be held at Paul U. Lee Funeral Home August 17th, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and the Funeral will be at First United Methodist Church of La Porte at 10:00 AM August 18th, 2011. In lieu of usual remembrances please send donations to First United Methodist church Building Fund La Porte, Texas or Peace Lutheran in memory of Pastor Patti.