Elbert Roy “Butch” Amert, Jr.
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).
To view Butch’s tribute video click here: Butch’s tribute video.
We are so sorry for your loss. We know you have some very special memories of Butch, that will always live with you.
Patty and Family – So sorry for your loss. A lot of great memories from bowling .Keep the faith.
Dear Patty and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Butch’s passing.
In reading his obituary it shows what a hardworking, busy, loving, husband, father, grandfather and friend he was. He will be saddly missed but lovingly remembered.
Love, Jill
Patty and family so sorry for your loss of your husband
Patty,
So very hard to hear of Butch’s unexpected passing. He will be sadly missed and long remembered fondly by the local poker community. You have my heartfelt condolences.
My deepest condolences.
So sorry for your loss prayers for the family
Patty and family, I’m very sorry for your loss. Good thoughts and prayers for all.
We are so sorry to hear about Butch! He will be missed by many. Condolences to the family.
Patty, sorry to hear of Butch’s passing, he was a dear friend. Known him all my life, high school and then some. My condolences. Dan Alt.
Aunt Patty, David, Jason, Becky and Chris. I’m saddened to hear about Uncle Butch’s passing! I send you all my heartfelt thoughts and prayers, trusting that love and strength will carry you through this difficult time. A few games of poker and LCR were played in remembrance of him at our house.
Praying for the family and kids love you all Eric Zehner your papper boy Shelby daily globe carrier back in the day love you all
Patty,
Sorry to hear of Butch’s death. We wondered about the situation, when we noticed all the cars, across the street, the last couple of days. Again our deepest sympathy.
Bill & Judy Van Horn
Patty,
So sad to hear of the passing of such a great guy, Butch. I always enjoyed bowling with him or against him. He was always so easy to talk to and laugh with. I will cherish talking with him about computer programming and writing some code for his bowling program he had. A great loss and true gentleman. My sympathy to you.
As I stand here typing this, I look over at the Amerts long time home, remembering that it’s not the place that matters, but the people in it. From all the years of being ready and available to watch us kids if our parents weren’t home, to offering us help in our most fiery of moments. I appreciate Butch for everything he was there for and provided. He raised some amazing kids with his wife, Patty. Thank you.
His kids were my neighborly siblings as much as he was my neighborhood dad. For that I can’t say enough.