Frederick Almet Fulghum Berry

Frederick Almet Fulghum Berry aka Freddy, Dad, Professor, Dr. Berry, Daddy Fred, Papa Fred passed into the hands of God on September 24, 2023. He was a much beloved father to his five adopted children, Larry Jauregui (Teresa), Garrick Jauregui (Jennifer), Esteban Jauregui (Sonja), Yura Jauregui (Debbie), and Jeanette Lambert (Dennis). He was adored by his nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren who lovingly called him Daddy Fred. In the Berry family, Fred is survived by brother Garvin's children, Rob Berry (Lisa), Diane Jewett (Jim), and Charlene Berry (Norm). Also by sister Beverly 's children, Sally Disney Rowe (Reg), and Bob Disney. All his Berry nieces and nephews had a special place in their hearts for Uncle Fred. Born April 12, 1929 to Robert and Vivian Berry. He graduated from Central High School in 1946, and then followed his older brother, Garvin, to Stanford University where he earned his Bachelor of Science, Masters, and PhD in Geology in just 5 years. By then, the Cold War was on and he joined the Air Force in 1951, and was loaned to the CIA for clandestine work on petroleum resources in the Soviet Union (1951-53). Subsequently, he worked for the US Geological Survey, and then he became a partner in a private research group in Denver from 1954-1960. From 1960- 1975, he was a professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of California, Berkeley. He was fully prepared to start his own business, and became a consultant, both for industry and government for the next 20 years. He was honored to edit the well-known book, Geology of Petroleum and Paleogeology by A.I. Leverson, a geologist famous all over the world. After leaving California, Fred acquired the 400-acre Galena Canyon Ranch in Abique, NM, raising cattle and irrigating gardens to produce world class organic vegetables. When his 30 year marriage ended, he moved to Santa Fe and continued his geology work, which by then was primarily located on the expansive Navajo Nation reservation. His goal became a passion to help the Navajo tribe take advantage of the vast deposits of oil and gas on their land. Fred was one of very few Non-Native professionals ever allowed on Navajo Lands. Two years went by, and upon receiving an invitation to attend Central High School's 50th reunion, he packed his suitcase and flew to Tulsa. Classmate JoAnn Carlson caught his eye and Fred was smitten. They danced together, dated a short time and were soon married at First Methodist on November 14, 1998. Thirteen years together were filled with happiness; blended families, poetry conferences, Van Cliburn competitions, church, and yes, still a lot of geology work. When cancer appeared on the horizon for JoAnn, Fred donned his doctor and caretaker hat, and whisked her to every appointment and sought out the best medical care. JoAnn passed peacefully to heaven in 2011, fully understanding that Fred had been the icing on the cake of a wonderful life. Fred bravely lived another 12 years without the love of his life, becoming a beloved resident of University Village Independent Living Cottages, and most recently Legend at Tulsa Hills Assisted Living. Stepchildren include, Jane Brady (Mike), Judy Bryant (Gary), Joel Carlson (Lisa), Jim Carlson (Lydia), Joyce Carlson, Janet Lalli (Garrett), Jeff Carlson (Melissa), 11 Grandchildren and 15 Great grandchildren. Fred was the embodiment of great strength wielded through gentleness. And though his accomplishments were myriad, to measure Fred's life through the prism of his credentials bends the light in the wrong direction. His joy was not in drawing the light to himself, but rather in lighting the paths of others. He was a thoughtful and genuine listener with poetic skills and vocabulary second to none, yet his favorite phrases were, "Thank you," and, "I love you." He gave his time freely to those he loved, and all of us are richer for his place in our lives. Memorial Service will be 11AM, Friday, October 13, 2023 at First Methodist Church, 1115 South Boulder, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Frederick Almet Fulghum Berry

April 12, 1929 - September 24, 2023