Amos Dean Cherry, Jr.

Amos Dean Cherry, Jr., 80, of Manila, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. Born at Blytheville, he was the son of the late Amos Dean and Ellis Ford Cherry and was a lifelong Manila resident. He was a longtime member and deacon of Bethany Baptist Church. Mr. Cherry was a current member of the Manila City Council having served in that position for 24 years. He was a retired building contractor and Army veteran of the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Sammons Cherry of the home; three sons, Danny Cherry and wife Debi of Manila, Rickey Cherry and wife Karla of Manila, and Dr. Tony Cherry and wife Penne of Hayti, Mo.; two daughters, Karen Hatleli of Manila and Denise and husband Dr. Duane Smith of Mascoutah, Ill.; his special aunt, Mrs. Virginia Manning of Blytheville; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

The funeral was held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Howard Funeral Chapel in Manila with Rev. Matthew Collier, Dr. Tony Cherry and Dr. Duane Smith officiating. Burial was in the Manila Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Frank Kirby, Harold McCain, Larry "Whiz" Davis, Kerry Baker, Ray Benson and James Skinner.

Mr. Cherry's grandchildren served as honorary pallbearers.

The family received friends Friday evening from 6-8 p.m.

To sign the guest register log on to howardfuneralservice.com.