Dates
Oliver Earl Berry, lovingly known as Earl, passed away on September 15, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 90 years old.
Earl was born on May 9, 1936, in Snyder, Texas, to his loving parents, Earl and Olive Berry. From his early years, Earl developed the qualities that would define his life—strength, determination, curiosity, and an unwavering love for his family.
Earl married the love of his life, Madeleine Elaine Galle, in Ozona, Texas. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and family. Earl and Elaine were blessed with three children: Bruce Don, Terrianna, and Carrie Lynn. His family was the center of his world, and he took great pride in the lives they built together.
Earl had a lifelong passion for anything with an engine and a particular love for aviation. He was a pilot, an aircraft mechanic, and a lifelong automobile mechanic. He possessed a remarkable ability to take things apart, understand how they worked, and bring them back to life. Over the years, Earl built various cars and motorcycles, as well as two airplanes—a testament to his mechanical talent, creativity, patience, and adventurous spirit.
After working various flying and mechanic jobs, Earl began his long career with Mitsubishi Aircraft International in 1966. He remained with the company for an incredible 48 enjoyable years, retiring in 2014. During his time with Mitsubishi Aircraft International, Earl was blessed with the opportunity to see and fly over most, if not all, of the 50 states, as well as travel around the world. His career allowed him to combine two of the things he loved most—working with aircraft and experiencing the world from the sky.
Earl had many interests that brought him joy throughout his life. He loved guns and was an avid hunter and reloader. He enjoyed reading and had a particular interest in history. He was also a devoted football fan who enjoyed the game at every level. Whether he was working on a vehicle, building an airplane, hunting, reading, watching football, or sharing stories with family and friends, Earl embraced life with enthusiasm and genuine curiosity.
Throughout his life, Earl faced challenges with courage and perseverance. His long battle with cancer was no exception. He continued to demonstrate the strength and determination that had carried him through a lifetime of work, adventure, and dedication to his family.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Berry and Olive Berry, and his uncle, John Wesley Berry.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine; his three children, Bruce Don Berry and wife Judy, Terrianna Bomer and husband Clay, and Carrie Lynn Sexton and husband Rick; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Earl will be remembered for his love of family, his mechanical ingenuity, his passion for flying, his adventurous spirit, his love of learning, and the countless memories he created along the way. His greatest legacy is not only in the things he built or the miles he traveled, but in the love he gave to his family and the lives he touched throughout his 90 years.
Though he will be deeply missed, Earl’s family takes comfort in knowing that his stories, his lessons, his adventurous spirit, and above all, his love will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Avir at Meadowcreek and Hospice of San Angelo for the loving care, compassion, and support they provided to Earl and his family.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hospice of San Angelo in Earl’s memory.
Rest in peace, Earl. May your wings carry you home.