Bruce Eugene Marlow

 Bruce E. Marlow, 72, of Simonton Lake, Elkhart, started his boat and headed out for the Big Lake for the last time. He left the dock on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 3:29am (CDT) at Regency Hospital in Portage following a rather brief illness.

 He was born October 21, 1947 in Elkhart to the late Paul and Dorothy (McKinley) Marlow and is survived by his caring wife Diane (Lichtenberger). They met at a singles dance in the Spring of 1988 and were married in a beach ceremony at Imperial Point in Largo, Florida on April 11, 1998. She survives at home after 32 wonderful years together.

Also surviving are children Christine (Taylor) Wells of Dunn, NC, Rick (Tamara) Cervenak of Wake Forest, NC, and Corey Brabon of Elkhart; brother Patrick (Linda) Marlow and sister Paula (Thomas) Ternet, both of Elkhart; grandchildren Rachel Wells, Elizabeth (Landon) Wells-West, Trey Wells, Joshua Cervenak, Hana and Eyan Brabon and yet one more who is on the way!! Preceding Bruce is his late brother, Mike.

He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, outlaws, friends and golfing buddies. It is also worth mentioning that Bruce will be missed by his wonderful family in the Cleveland, Ohio area.  And last, but not least, Bruce's entire Marlow family is eternally thankful for the wonderful compassion and care provided by his close-knit Simonton Lake neighborhood.

In accordance with Bruce’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial celebration of Bruce’s life with United States Navy Military Funeral Honors will be held at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 4:30 pm, with fellowship and visitation beginning there at 3:30 pm.

Pastor Gary Lewis of the Bristol United Methodist Church will officiate and Elkhart DAV Post 19 will assist the US Navy with military honors. Following services at the funeral home, family and friends are invited to the Marlow’s lakeside home for a special “Sunset Toast” ceremony set to begin at 6:00 pm, followed by a dinner at the Simonton Lake Sportsman’s Club, 51036 CR 11, Elkhart around 7 pm.

Bruce was a 1966 graduate of Concord High School and then went to the South Bend College of Commerce while working on the railroad.  He joined the US Navy May of 1968, where he served aboard the carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42) during the Vietnam War. And was honorably discharged in July of 1972. Bruce then continued his college education in Bloomington and received his degree from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business in 1975.

Bruce came back to Elkhart and was a branch manager for First National Bank.  He went on to being an accountant and purchasing agent for several RV and cargo trailer manufacturers, retiring from Stealth Enterprises in 2016.  Not one for being idle, he then worked part time for Associate Delivery Services, where he enjoyed spending time and working with his fellow retiree buddies.

Bruce had a love for all things nautical and had an innate desire to be around water wherever he travelled, as it brought peace to his soul. He was an avid golfer and devout fan of IU Basketball, especially back when Bobby Knight was at the helm. He had a serene appreciation of all things natural and relished his times outdoors where he could watch all of the wildlife and waterfowl. He also loved to help people, almost to a fault, because he enjoyed wandering around his neighborhood looking for folks who needed help doing things. According to Diane, these disappearances usually occurred right about the time dinner would be ready!     

            Because of Bruce’s love for nature, memorial donations may be given to the Simonton Lake Sportsman's Club or to the Humane Society of Elkhart County. Additionally, a reminder that county-wide COVID-19 restrictions (mask and social distancing) are still being observed.   You are encouraged to share Bruce’s obituary, leave online condolences, or order memorial tributes by following the prompts on our website. Thank you so much for your interest in Bruce’s story.

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