Gerald LeRoy Newberry

GERALD "GERRY" NEWBERRY August 8, 1924 ~ June 13, 2014 "Gerry was a fun-loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He loved to tell jokes and had one for every situation." Gerald "Gerry" Newberry passed away peacefully in Camas, WA on June 13, 2014 at 89 years of age with family, friends, and grand dog, Ali. He was born in Dexter, MI on Aug. 8, 1924 to Harry and Mae Newberry. The family moved to Pier, SD in 1931, then on to Goldendale, WA, where Gerry graduated from high school in 1942. After graduation, they moved to Washougal, WA. In April 1942, Gerry enlisted in the Army with his best friend Bob Steinhauer. They were stationed in Germany until their discharge in December 1945. Gerry worked for Crown Zellerbach for 41 years, retiring in 1986 from the Development Laboratory. In 1946, he and LaVerda Jean Bodeman from Palisade, NE were married in Camas, WA. They had two children, Sharon Newberry Martell of Camas, WA and Curt (Carrie) Newberry of Sunnyside, WA; two grandsons, Nick (Amy) Newberry of Temecula, CA and Chris (Amy) Newberry of Spokane, WA; two great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Noah Newberry, both of Temecula, CA. Gerry enjoyed all sports, climbing several mountains with friends, Sharon and Curt. He was on the CZ bowling league for years, loved to run and completed two marathons, played pool, and many lunch hours were spent playing ping pong. He loved to put together large puzzles and almost completed color tube TV. They spent many hours sitting on the bleachers watching their children and grandsons in sporting activities through high school and college. Gerry was a very handy man to have for a husband and father. He could fix or build things for the house or vehicles. Gerry and Jeannie spent about 12 winters in Arizona and traveling to almost every state in their motor home. Including a trip to Alaska with friends, Al and Alta Cotton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannie, of 56 years; son-in-law, Rick Martell; and sister, Delores Higdon. Gerry's life will be celebrated Mon., June 23, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at the Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Vancouver, WA and also burial. Viewing is Sun., June 22, 2014, noon to 9:00 p.m. and Mon., June 23, 2014, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Memorial donations can be sent to Humane Society for SW Washington, 1100 NE 192nd Ave., Vancouver, WA 98684. Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Gerald LeRoy Newberry

August 8, 1924 - June 13, 2014