Memorial in Sikeston will honor Marine killed by terrorists

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A "true patriot" killed by terrorists in Libya will be remembered in special services in Sikeston.

A memorial service will honor former Marine combat veteran David Berry, who has ties to Southeast Missouri. Berry was killed by Islamic State terrorists Jan. 27 at the Corintha Hotel in Tripoli, Libya.

While a funeral for Berry will be at a later date in Arizona, some members of his Charleston, Missouri, family will be unable to attend the service, according to Blair Moran, chaplain of the Sikeston American Legion.

To honor the soldier's service and sacrifice, the Sikeston American Legion Post, along with the Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion, will have a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Sikeston Veterans Park.

At the time of his death, Berry was employed by Team Crucible, a private security firm in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Berry grew up in Arizona and after graduating from high school joined the Marine Corps. He had five overseas deployments in the Middle East during his tenure.

In Iraq, he served with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, and his unit was honored with the Presidential Unit Citation for heroism in action against Iraqi forces. While in the Corps, he attended the National Defense Institute to learn the Arabic language and their culture for counterintelligence operations. After being honorably discharged from the Corps, he was employed by the security firm and worked in Libya.

"David was a true patriot who was doing what he believed in," said his father, James Berry. He said his son was a warrior and wanted to do what was right and had a strong love of country.

In the event of cold or rain, the memorial service will be at the First Baptist Church of Sikeston. The church is on North Main Street across from Missouri Delta Medical Center.

Pertinent address:

100 Campanella Drive, Sikeston, Mo.

1101 N. Main St., Sikeston, Mo.