BERRY, Delbert E. "Sonny," Jr., 87, of Tulsa, OK, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at St. Francis Heart Hospital in Tulsa.

He loved swimming and weightlifting in Senior Olympics, diving, fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, camping in Colorado, visiting Yellowstone and other national parks, watching sports on TV, hunting, his eight boxer dogs over 45 plus years, canoeing on the Illinois River, and inner-tube riding on several Colorado rivers and the Illinois River.

Mr. Berry was born on May 1, 1928 in Tulsa. His first job was as a newspaper carrier with the Tulsa World in 1936. During his high school and college summers, Sonny worked as a lifeguard at a local pool. After graduating from Central High School in Tulsa in 1946, he began working for Sunray DX. While remaining employed, Sonny earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering in May of 1952. He retired from Sun Oil in 1983 and was a petroleum consultant for approximately seven years.

Mr. Berry served in the U.S. Navy 1955-1959 and attained the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.
Sonny married Emma Jeanne Conover (nee Durshimer) in 1956 and was a loving father to her children, Margie and Michael, and to their daughter, Dolly. They lived in Georgia, New Mexico, and three Oklahoma cities.

Mr. Berry competed in numerous Senior Olympics swimming and weightlifting events and won many medals and trophies for his age and weight categories. He was awarded Male Oklahoma Senior Olympian of the Year in 1995. Sonny also served on the Oklahoma Senior Olympic Board 2007-2009. Sonny was also a volunteer for the Tulsa Parks Department and was honored with the Individual Council Oak Award in 2001.

Mr. Berry is preceded in death by his father, Delbert E. Berry, Sr. in 1976; his mother, Jessie Lucille Berry (nee Mize) in 1996; his wife, Emma Jeanne in 2002; his step-daughter, Margie Marie in 2011; and his step-son, William Michael in 2013.

Sonny is survived by his daughter, Delba Jeanne "Dolly" Berry of Norman, OK; sister, Betty Bay of Cleveland, OK; granddaughter, Kristen Queen and her husband, Jonathan of Willow Park, TX; granddaughter, Emily Moser and her husband, Justin of Norman, OK; grandson, Ryan McRae of Austin, TX; great-granddaughter, Madelyn Queen; great-grandson, Henry Queen; and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Viewing will be 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M., Monday, August 17, 2015 at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK.
Service will follow at 10:00 A.M., Monday, at Moore's Southlawn Chapel.

Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233