ELKHART — Berton Paul "Bert" Lovely, 83, of Elkhart, passed away Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, at Elkhart General Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Bert was born July 9, 1934, in Belfast, Maine, to the late Glen and Lula (Randall) Lovely.

He married Martha A. Rodgers on March 14, 1981. They have been together 43 years and married for 36.

Also surviving are children, Kathy (Bub) Rohrer, Melinda Lee, Marsha (Robert Evans) Robinson, Paul (Loralee) Rodgers, Jason Rodgers and fiancé Sara VanEmon, Natasha (Greg) Pletcher, Van Ham; brother, Jimmy (Sandy) Lovely; daughter-in-law Vicky Burley; 30 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Bert was preceded in death by one son, Neil Lovely; seven siblings, brothers Milton, Eldon, Loristin and Phillip Lovely and sisters Mona Peverall, Jackie Matthews and Diane Gilford.

Bert worked for Lochmandy Motors as the service manager for 27 years.

He also was the owner and operator of Standard Auto with his wife Martha.

He serviced in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

Bert liked to work on cars, watch old western movies and TV shows, go to the casino, and in his younger years, fishing and stock car racing.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 11 a.m. until the 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, celebration of life service at Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart.

In honoring Bert's wishes, cremation has taken place, under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to the family C/O Martha.

Condolences may be sent to the family at the Billings website.