Anthony Carl "Tony" Berry

Anthony (Tony) Carl Berry, 83, originally of Peoria, IL. recently residing in Foley, AL. finished his race to be greeted by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his wife, family and friends on July 2, 2024.

Tony was born August 30, 1940 in Peoria, IL, to Carl E. and Goldie May (Julien) Berry. He married Paula J. Stake on June 10, 1961 in Pekin. She finished her race after battling cancer for 12 years, July 4, 2009.

He left an example on how to live for Christ to two daughters, Paulette (Randy) Cornell of Foley, AL. and Lisa Ann Berry of Peoria and one son Carl (Amy) Berry of Peoria.

Tony was first and foremost devoted follower of Jesus Christ setting an example for his four Granddaughters and five grandsons and four great-granddaughters and seven great-grandsons.

Tony has two loving sisters Nancy Lee Mann of Chicago and Rebecca (Robert) Wiltz of Peoria.

Tony was raised loving and serving Christ from the time of birth at the South Side Mission. Volunteering just as his mother (Goldie) and father (Carl) had done before him. Tony went on to serve in the US Navy from October 1958 to September 1962. After receiving an honorable discharge, he followed in his father’s footsteps as a city bus driver for a short time. He then joined the Peoria Police Department. He enjoyed serving and protecting by chasing bad guys, collecting crime scene evidence and overseeing numerous departments for 27 years. Tony was the oldest living recipient of the Policeman of the Year award.

For most of his life he served on the board of directors of the South Side Mission. He enjoyed volunteering side by side with his wife Paula and completing numerous projects at Camp Kearney. Tony will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Service will be held at 10am followed by a Celebration of Life service starting at 11:30am on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at the Calvary Baptist in Pekin located on 921 Caroline St. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to South Side Mission Camp Kearney.