Elbert Roy “Butch” Amert, Jr., age 77, of Shelby, died early Saturday morning, May 10, 2025 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. His death follows an extremely brief and unexpected illness.
Butch was born December 16, 1947 in Shelby to the late Marguerite E. “Marge” (Gambee) and Elbert Roy Amert, Sr. A 1965 graduate of Shelby High School, Butch enlisted in the United States Air Force in May of 1967 and served his country in Vietnam during the war. After his honorable discharge, Butch returned home and began working at United Telephone Company while also working at Shelby Rhythm Bowl. It was at Rhythm Bowl where his passion for bowling aligned with fate, as he met his future wife, Patty Durkin. The couple married on July 17, 1981.
His bowling hobby continued throughout his life, even having coached Youth Bowling Association for many years. Although his work at the Rhythm Bowl continued over 20 years, following 5 years with the telephone company, Butch began working for the railroad. He retired in 2007 from CSX following 32 years of service.
Although Butch’s hobbies and interests were extensive, his love for playing poker, specifically Texas Hold’em, was at the top of the list. He loved the game, often playing daily, and hosted and ran many games and tournaments especially with his Old Man’s Club poker group. He avidly studied poker etiquette, honing his skills and applying what he learned. Other interests included golfing, coin collecting, mushroom hunting, and a lifelong admiration for classic cars, particularly Corvettes. Unashamed of his sweet tooth, Butch had an undeniable weakness for pies and cookies.
Family was at the heart of Butch’s life, and he was a steadfast supporter of his children and grandchildren. The family shared over 40 years of camping adventures; a tradition passed on to his children despite Butch later admitting he merely “tolerated” the activity. He was, however, a lifetime member of the Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association- the premier gold prospecting and camping club in America. Proud of his service and the service of their children, in 2008 Butch and Patty were founding members of The Friends of the 179th Family Readiness, a program which collects and raises funds to assist families of servicemen and servicewomen at the Mansfield 179th. He was also a member of the Shelby Eagles where he served as a trustee, Shelby Knights of Columbus, a lifetime member of the VFW, and had been a member of the Shelby Moose and Owls clubs.
Butch is survived by his wife of nearly 44 years: Patricia S. “Patty” (Durkin) Amert; children and grandchildren: Becky Neuenschwander of Shelby, Christopher (Tara) Amert of Mansfield and their children Olin and Vada, David Amert (Kelly Dawson) of Shelby and their children Addison, Brayden, and Andrea Amert, and Jason (Shawna) Amert of Mansfield and their children Wilson, Karli, Erin, and Madelyn; uncle: David Amert; in-laws: Maggie Van Wagner and Tim (Mary) Durkin; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Butch was preceded in death by his siblings: Bev Howell, Gary Amert, and Sally Sanders.
Military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 5 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. All are welcome to attend. The family will greet guests immediately following the military honors at the funeral home where a casual and brief service will be held at 7 pm to conclude visitation. Pastor Ron Bolden will lead the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Ohio Spina Bifida Alliance (COSBA) via their website (https://centralohiospinabifidaalliance.blogspot.com/p/donate_21.html) or left in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be made on Butch’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).