Zachary Thomas Berry Obituary (2018)

Zachary Thomas “Zach” Berry, age 25 of Maroa died at his home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday October 31, 2018. A memorial service to celebrate Zach’s life will be held at 2:00 pm. Sunday, November 4, 2018 at First Christian Church (3350 N. MacArthur Road Decatur, Illinois 62526), with Pastor Brian Talty officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at the church. Memorials may be made to: http://www.curethekids.org a pediatric brain tumor foundation. Tanzyus-Logan Funeral Service and Care is in charge of the arrangements. Zach was born in Decatur in September of 1993 the eldest son of Thomas Lee and Kelly Leann Berry. He graduated from Maroa-Forsyth High School and attended Richland Community College. Zach worked for Casey’s in Maroa, Illinois. At the age of 13, Zach was diagnosed with a metastatic brain tumor. The neurosurgeon described it as the “ugly of brain tumors,” if tumors were described as good, bad or ugly. Zach spent the next 15 months fighting that terrible disease. Zach was declared cancer free and was given a second chance at life. Cancer and the treatments that fight it can leave their mark long past the time they are completed. Zach did not live in fear of the what-ifs but lived a simple and happy life. He loved others well, and he was a good friend to all who knew him. In December of 2017, Zach began to exhibit symptoms that were eerily familiar. We were devastated to learn that Zach had developed a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer that was caused by the treatments he received so many years ago. Prayers for healing and miracles were uttered around the globe. Zach fought hard, an uphill battle every day, but throughout the battle he had peace. He did not fear death as he knew that he would be healed. When it became evident that healing would likely come in Heaven, we gathered as a family and spoke truth and love over our precious brother, son, and friend. Zach’s courage and strength as he fought his battle with cancer continues to humble those of us who love him. He never complained, he faced every challenge with humor, he loved us fiercely and we loved him more than words can ever say. Zach will always be a cancer survivor, that terrible disease no longer has a hold over him. He has been restored…healed…and is in the arms of Jesus. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13 He is survived by his parents, sisters, Alex and Maddie Berry, brothers, Max and Isaac Berry, grandparents, John and Nancy Berry, Steven Puckett, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Zach Berry is truly loved and will be deeply missed.