Burford E. "Bud" Berry, 89, of Nampa, died Friday, September 9, 2011 at his home with his loving wife, Glenda, by his side. Bud was born on March 12, 1922 in Diagonal, Iowa, the first of five children born to Gail N. and Coral Berry. He grew up in Southwest Iowa, calling Shenandoah home. He graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1939.

In 1953, Bud met Glenda Rae Cox. Their paths would cross again four years later and they eventually were married in Boise at the original Red Rock Christian Church on December 19, 1958.

Bud began a lifelong association with the United States Military by enlisting in the Iowa National Guard in 1938. His unit was called to active duty in February 1941. While on active duty WWII started on December 7, 1941. With the military looking for pilots, Bud transferred to the Army Air Corp, completed his training, and received his pilots wings and commission in April of 1943. He flew B17s and B24s ultimately becoming a flight instructor on B24s training other young men to fly.

At the outbreak of the Korean War, Bud was recalled to active duty between 1950 through 1952 and served in Japan as a GCI Controller. He remained active in the Air Force Reserves, retiring from the United States Air Force with the rank of Lt. Colonel in 1971 with a combined 33 years of service.

The Air Force originally brought Bud to Idaho and Boise via WWII. Being impressed by Boises climate and size, after the war, Bud returned to Boise in 1946 and began a 33 year career with the Idaho Power Company which he found rewarding in opportunities and life long friendships. He was the Boise District Operating Supervisor at the time of his retirement in 1979.

Retirement found them enjoying winters in Arizona, traveling in the summers and always returning to Boise for the Boise State football season.

Bud was a lifetime member of the Air Force Reserve Officers Association, a lifetime member of the War Hawk Air Museum, and was known for proudly displaying an American flag flying from a lighted flag pole wherever they lived.

Bud is survived by his wife, Glenda; sisters in law, Beverly Berry, Anila Allred, Lorna (Don) Kolsky; brothers in law, Jay (Carol) Cox, Velmont Cox, Evan and Diane Cox (who were also traveling companions on many memorable trips); and a number of much loved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary Kathryn Berglund and Margaret Ann Greenwalt; two brothers, John R. "Jack" Berry and Dennis D. Berry.

A viewing will be held on Monday, Sept. 12, 2011 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave. So., Nampa. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011 at the West End Cemetery in Buhl, Idaho. At Buds request he will be buried in a pine "box". In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Services are under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home Yraguen Chapel.

Service Information Visitation Monday September 12, 2011 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Nampa Funeral Home Yraguen Chapel 415 12th Ave South Nampa, ID 83651