Steven "Steve" Dale DeBerry

Steven Dale DeBerry, 63, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia passed away suddenly on Friday, May 12, 2023, at his home, in view of the Shenandoah River where he lived and loved for more than 36 years.

He was born on July 27, 1959, in Preston County, WV, he was the son of the late James Watson DeBerry and of Evalene Blanche (Uphold) DeBerry, of Tunnelton, West Virginia.

Steve was the student council president and a graduate of Tunnelton High School in 1977. He enlisted in the United States Army on December 30, 1976, and shortly after married Jennifer Mohler. He worked as a Communications Chief stationed in Hanau, Germany and was honorably discharged after four years of faithful service in 1982.

He spent his younger years as a whitewater rafting and river guide on the Cheat, Potomac, and Shenandoah rivers and made his lifelong career building custom homes and preserving historic ones. He settled on the 'Doah in 1987, married Donna Albright in 1991, and started building a custom treehouse for his growing family. The house on the river that has since become home to so many people.

Steve was an energetic and adventurous spirit, a music lover, and a friend to everyone he met. He was kind and helpful, the type of guy who would be there if you needed a hand and he was loved by the entire community of Wide River Farms where he acted as a superintendent for the community.

He was a loving father, grandad, brother, son, friend, dog dad, and firework aficionado. He was strong-willed and never stopped moving, working, or entertaining until the day he died. He loved his dog Koda, playing guitar, throwing a giant party for the 4th of July (or any party for that matter) and hauling a 17’ foot Christmas tree through the window every year with more Christmas spirit than St. Nick himself. 

He could always be found at the center of every party and with him, there was never a dull moment. His memory will live on as we all continue to celebrate the life he lived.

He was preceded in death by his father, James, his brothers Roger & Jimmy, sister Brenda and wife, Donna. He is survived by his three children, Stephanie D. Viekman, Angela M. DeBerry, and Robert G. Albright and wife, Danielle, as well as five grandchildren, Roy, Dreyke, Braelin, Adalynn, and Tevis. He leaves behind his mother, Evalene, his brothers Tim and Dave, and his sister Cindy, their spouses, innumerable nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He also leaves behind his beloved friend and partner in crime, Catherine Waite, also of Harpers Ferry. 

A graveside service will be held for family and close friends at the DeBerry Family Cemetery in Tunnelton, WV on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 11:00 am with full military honors accorded by the Preston County and US Army Honor Guard. A reception will follow at the Col. Larew Aux Center, Tunnelton VFW Post 2345, Tunnel Hill Road, hosted by family and cousins, everyone is welcome. A Celebration of Life and final farewell is being planned for Saturday, July 1, 2023, at the River House in Harper’s Ferry, reach out to the family for more information. Donations in lieu of flowers can be directed toward the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV using the form found at https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/46400615 and selecting Martinsburg. 

Online condolences can be made at www.kingwoodfuneralhomewv.com. Kingwood Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and honored to serve the DeBerry family. 

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