Obituary of Mervin Emory Newberry

Mervin Emory Newberry, age 97, passed away on March 25, 2023. Mervin was born in the small Southwest Virginia town of Raven on August 13, 1925. He was the fifth of six children born to Stewart and Ethel Mary Newberry. After high school Mervin enlisted in the Army. He was proud to have served his country during World War II. He landed on the beaches of Normandy, fighting through France and into Germany. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star. Upon leaving the Army he attended DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago where he studied electronics. During this time he married the young woman who had been his pen pal while he was in the Army, Evelyn Vernie Stiltner. After completing his education, he worked for a short time for the FAA and Southern Railway. The major part of his career was spent working for General Electric in Lynchburg. He was proudly independent to the very end and was blessed to live for almost 60 years in his home where he passed away of natural causes.

Mervin was proceeded in death by his wife, Evelyn, and his five brothers and sisters, Gladys (Cantrell), Earl, Raymond, Frances (Dye) and Arvel. He is survived by his son Orin (Hanci), daughters Ada Popek (Robert), Mary Ryczko (Robert), five grandchildren: Justin Popek, Elizabeth Conner (Newberry), Max Newberry, Will Newberry and Jacob Ryczko and by five great-grandchildren. 

Funeral arrangements are being made by Diuguid Funeral Service. A graveside service will be held at Virginial Memorial Park, 11490 Forest Road, Forest, Va. on Monday, April 10 at 12 noon. The family requests donations be made to American Legion Post 16 Honor Guard, 1301 Greenview Drive, Lynchburg, Va. 24502.