Berry Henry Lee

BERRY HENRY LEE January 3, 1933 - January 18, 2015 TWIN FALLS - Berry Henry Lee, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother was born in Buhl, ID on January 3, 1933, the son of Vera Benita (Hunt) Lee and Victor Casper Lee. He peacefully went home to his Heavenly Father, with his family at his side. As written by his mother, Vera Benita (Hunt) Lee, in the late 1960s: Berry Henry Lee was born January 3, 1933 at 11:30am on the Mitch Hunt Ranch when we were living out there four miles from town. It was a cold day; the wind was blowing and the snow was sifting through the cracks in the walls of the shack we were living in. Dr. E.L. Berry was the doctor. We had quite a celebration; it was the Doctor's birthday, also mine, and the baby's. So, before I had much to say about it, his Daddy told the Doctor we were going to call him Berry. He weighed 9½ lbs, and was a strong, husky baby. People said he looked like a 6-month old baby. He never gave us much trouble at night. He slept well and seldom cried. As he grew up, he was quiet and reserved. He was a hard worker and was obedient about doing his chores. He went to church to his priesthood meeting when he was twelve years old. For several years he got up real early Sunday morning to get his chores done so he could get to his priesthood meetings. At 17 years, he joined the Navy and was there for 3½ years. After he returned, he worked in the dry goods store in Buhl. He married Toinette Lyons on June 22, 1955. He built a little home and lived in the Valley for a while. During that time, he was put in the Superintendency of the Sunday school. A few years later, they moved to Twin Falls, where he got a job with the Coca Cola Company. Then he took schooling and became one of the refrigerator men to fix freezers and refrigerators. In the meantime, he had five children; Debra, Lisa, Lorraine, Perry, and Victor. Their family is growing up fast. They take their family on short trips fishing and doing the things they like best to do. In 1950, Berry enlisted in the Navy. After basic training in San Diego, he was assigned to the USS Fletcher as a torpedo man, for a short time. When they decommissioned the torpedo tubes, he was given a set of fatigues and sent to the Marines and the Special Forces. He served in the Korean War where he experienced atomic tests during Operation Ivy at Eniwetok Proving Grounds, Marshall Islands in 1952, and he was involved in many campaigns and battles. Upon an honorable discharge, he received numerous medals and awards. In 1955, he married Toinette Lyons in the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They lived in Melon Valley for several years before moving to Twin Falls. Berry worked for Coca Cola for 38 years and was the Service Manager upon retirement. During his teen years, Berry enjoyed boxing and was a Golden Glove. Throughout his life, he enjoyed singing, playing the harmonica, woodworking and carving, drawing, writing poetry, playing games with his family, gardening, camping, fishing, travelling, and playing practical jokes. He was an animal lover, with a special place in his heart for his cats. He played on the Twin Falls Men's baseball league and was a member of the Elks Lodge, along with his sons. Berry never had trouble making friends (Larry, Bob, Don, Arnie, among others), and whenever someone needed anything repaired, they called Berry. The family wishes to thank Dr. Desmond for his many, many years of medical care and to Karen and Nina for their caregiving efforts. Berry was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Don Lee and Elwood Lee. Berry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Toinette (Lyons) Lee; two sisters, Verna Martin (Merlin) and Carol Atkinson (Roy); daughters, Debra Garner (Steve), Lisa Lee-High (Steve High), and Lorraine Pistante (Earl); sons Perry Lee (Sheila) and Victor Lee (Gloria); grandchildren, Matthew Garner, Michelle Bennett, Sam Garner, Jake Lee-High, Nic Lee-High, William Lee-Brinkman, Marcy Teeples, Berry Lee-Brinkman, Daniel Lee, Jennifer Peltier, Joy Black, Nicole Kearney, Tony Lee, Stacie Lee Larios, Melissa Fernandez, Michael Fitzgerald, Cristen Fitzgerald, Jared Fitzgerald, Cody Baxter, Cassie McCormick, Crystal Matsen; 38 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews whom are very dear to him. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be directed to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). A Celebration of Life will begin with a 21-Gun Salute by the Magic Valley Naval Honor Guard at 1pm on Monday, January 26, at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road in Twin Falls. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.