M. Daniel "Dan" Berry

DANIEL BERRY

LIMA — M. Daniel "Dan" Berry, age 71, passed away Christmas morning, December 25, 2015, at 2:27 a.m. surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home, after a valiant 5 year battle with cancer

Dan's strong will to live along with the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters, carried him through.

Dan's career in law spanned over 40 years and included stints in private practice and teaching real estate law. He retired in 2012 from the Allen County Prosecutor's office, where he served as Chief Assistant Prosecutor. His passion for a career he loved so much saw him helping with grand jury cases as recently as a week before his battle ended.

Known to be a gruff man, he never mixed words and never left doubts where he stood on an issue. He loved a good trial and always stood firm for victim's rights. He was tough in the courtroom, but was considered a gentle giant to those he loved and knew him best. Dan was a master organizer of criminal cases, traffic court magistrate for the village of Elida, and a frequent mentor to many young prosecutors in the area. He graduated from Elida High School, Goshen College and the Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law.

Dan lived a fulfilling life that included many hobbies. He had a passion for restoring and collecting vintage motorcycles and Cushman scooters, and riding his Harley Davidson. He loved photography and developed a refined talent for making stained glass lamps. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was an expert marksman and loved to target shoot and archery. After retirement, he and his wife spent several winters in Naples, Florida, enjoying the warm weather and relaxation. He also loved antiques, reading, working in the garden with his wife, and traveling to Michigan and out west.

At home, Dan was a gourmet chef that delighted many with his talents. He loved to entertain family, friends, and guests. He had a passion for his parrot, Caleb and his Yorkshire Terriers, CT, Morgan, Mia, Petey, and especially his loyal companion, "Molly Anne."

He had many "Buddies" who he enjoyed spending time with including, Juergen Waldick, David Bowers, Rick Workman, Steve Shaw, and the late Larry VanHorn. He also enjoyed many great adventures out west with his longtime friend, Scott O'Brien.

Dan was born July 20, 1944 in Lima, to the late Melvin G. and Mary A. (Link) Berry.

He is survived by his loving wife Lynette "Lyn" (Ritchie) Berry, daughter Heather Elizabeth Berry, of Elida, three step-daughters, Jennifer (Jay) Schwartz, of Spencerville, Aimee (Derek) Gesler, of Wapakoneta, and Stephanie (Joey) Cox, of Lima and 12 grandchildren, Tyler (Jasmine Gray) Wheeler, Nicholas, and Keaton Wheeler, Hailey, Brendon, and Ayden Schwartz, Olivia, Alex, Abbie, Tristan, and Elizabeth Gesler, and Carlie Cox, who referred to PaPaw Dan as "Her Hero."

He is preceded in death by his sister, Diane "Susie" Berry.

Services celebrating Dan's life will begin 7:00 p.m. Wednesday December 30, 2015 at CHILES - LAMAN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL. Juergen Waldick will officiate the services. Entombment of cremains will take place at a later date in Gethsemani Cemetery.

Friends may call from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2015, prior to the services at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Happy Tails Pup Partners. C/O Chiles - Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1170 Shawnee Road, Lima, Ohio 45805.

Condolences may be expressed at chiles-lamanfh.com.