Phillip A. O'Berry

Phil O'Berry has spent the past few weeks embracing friends and family while telling them how much they have meant to him. Phil died of colon cancer on July 28, 2011. His miraculous survival for over seven years has been inspirational to those privileged to watch him live life to the fullest. His message for all the friends he left behind is, "Get a regular colonoscopy starting at age 50. Colon cancer IS preventable!"

Phil was born February 1, 1933 in Tampa, Florida. He attended Miami Senior High and graduated in Animal Husbandry from the University of Florida in 1955. After earning a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 1960, he received a PhD in Veterinary Microbiology from Iowa State University in 1967.

Phil married Terri Martin O'Berry in Miami on July 31, 1960. They spent a year in the Washington, D.C. area and then moved to Ames for Phil to work at the National Animal Disease Center as he pursued his PhD. Phil and Terri have 6 children, Kelly (Kasia) O'Berry of Iowa City, Holly O'Berry of Van Nuys, CA, Danny O'Berry of Beuren, Germany, Andrew O'Berry, Toby (Kelly) O'Berry of Des Moines, and foster son, Bob Greene, along with numerous international and Iowa State students who lived with the family and became "adopted" children. They have seven grandchildren, Keegan, Keelee, Ely, Alice, Adacus, Harper and Hadley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Marjorie O'Berry, brother, Joe and son, Eric.

His career with Agriculture Research Service in the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture began in 1955 as a lab technician in Beltsville, Maryland. Forty eight years later he retired having served as a research veterinarian, Director of the National Animal Disease Center and National Technology Transfer Coordinator.

Phil will be remembered for his volunteer service to the Ames and Des Moines communities. He was a 34 year member of the Board of Directors of Youth and Shelter Services where he filled all the offices from treasurer to president several times, was President of the Ames United Way Board of Directors, President of Mainstream Living Board of Directors, President of Mary Greeley Medical Center Board of Directors, President of Noon Kiwanis Club where he was a 40 year member, the Ames Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Youth and Shelter Services Foundation Board of Directors, and Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Phil was a founding member of the Iowa Runaway, Homeless and Missing Youth Center Board of Directors in Des Moines.

Phil's membership in professional societies and honoraries is extensive. He was far too humble to want a list printed nor would he want the awards and honors to be mentioned. However, the plaque on his office wall honoring him as the City of Ames Citizen of the Year in 2000 as well as the expressions of appreciation for co-chairing or participating in four YSS capital campaigns raising over $8,850,000 gave him great satisfaction.

Phil loved beach combing, bird watching, riding his recumbent bike at the Root River trail in Minnesota, pulling weeds in Terri's gardens, and wearing flip flops. He enjoyed a special fondness for cows. His family and the time he spent in volunteer service were the joys of his life. He was passionate about mentoring through Big Brothers of America and YSS. For over 45 years, he mentored many youth in Maryland and Iowa.

A Celebration of Life service will be held August 21, 2011 at 3:00 P.M. in the Sun Room of the Iowa State University Memorial Union in Ames, IA. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorials may be made to Youth and Shelter Services, 420 Kellogg Avenue, Ames, IA 50010 or Israel Family Hospice House, 400 South Dakota Avenue, Ames, IA 50014.

The O'Berry family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Bliss Cancer Center and Israel Family Hospice House. Their care and compassion will always be remembered. Online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcreamationcare.com