DAVID CHERRY

Wasilla resident David Benjamin Cherry, 24, died Aug. 3, 2004, in Palmer, of injuries sustained in a car accident.

A service in Mr. Cherry's honor took place at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, at the Wasilla Christian Church. His burial will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 9, at Fort Richardson National Cemetery.

Mr. Cherry was born Aug. 21, 1979, in Roseburg, Ore. He moved to Alaska in August 1988, where he attended and graduated from Colony High School. He was attending Mat-Su College at the time of his death.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1994 to 1995. He was a finalist in the National Geography Bee in 1993, attended two mission trips to a Mexican orphanage, was a volunteer at Wasilla Christian Church as a "Biker Blessing" and assisted with many other church-related activities.

He enjoyed many sports, including soccer, baseball and basketball. He also enjoyed collecting baseball cards and playing video games.

His family said, "David was a loving son, dear brother and beloved husband. He was a compassionate young man, who never met a stranger. He always had time for friends and those less fortunate. He was happiest when helping others and he particularly loved children. He was generous with his time.

"His quirky smile always accompanied his goofy jokes. He was looking forward to spending the rest of his life with his new wife as they started a family and built their new home together. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We can all find comfort in knowing that God is merciful and David is with the Lord."

Mr. Cherry is survived by his wife, Bernadette Denise Frances Lee Turner-Cherry; parents, Bruce and Chris (Glenn) Cherry; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cara Lee and Jeff Billo of Austin, Texas and Melissa and Brent Reimers of Wasilla and grandparents, Howard Cherry and Shirley Glenn, both of Oakland, Ore. He is also survived by a score of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends in Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

Memorial donations in Mr. Cherry's honor may be sent to Life Alaska Donor Services at P.O. Box 231809, Anchorage, AK 99523-1809 in care of Kim Blocker.

Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.