Jan. 21, 1942 - Jan. 25, 2013

ELKHART - Arthur H. "Art" Doty Jr., 71, of Elkhart, passed away at his home with his family at his side at 11:35 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, following an extended illness.

He was born in Elkhart Jan. 21, 1942, to the late Arthur H. and Goldie A. (Keller) Doty Sr. He later married Sandra L. "Sandy" Birr Dec. 28, 1968, in Elkhart. She survives at home.

Also surviving are his sons Paul T. and Thomas L. Schroeder of Elkhart and Scott L. (Dawn) Schroeder of St. Joseph, Mich.; daughters Kathy A. Stamm and Amy L. Doty, both of Elkhart; sister Karen (Kenneth) Morrow of Mishawaka; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and his caregiver, Jennifer Szabo.

Preceding him in death were a sister, Sharon Kempf, and a brother, Craig T. Doty.

A celebration of Art's life will take place at Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart beginning with a visitation from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, followed by a funeral at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Dan Miller of the First Assembly of God Church of St. Joseph and Art's son, Scott Schroeder, will officiate, with burial following at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart. Elkhart DAV Post 19 and the U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard will render military graveside honors.

Art worked at Elkhart Tool and Die as a shipping and receiving foreman for nearly 40 years, retiring in 2004. His memberships included being a firefighter/EMT with the Baugo Township Fire Department for nearly 20 years, as well belonging to the Elkhart Moose Lodge 599. He was an avid Cubbies, Notre Dame and Jeff Gordon NASCAR fan and also bowled in several local leagues.

In his earlier years, he was a CB radio enthusiast known as "Sparky." He also served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Donner (LSD 20), a "Casa Grande" class Dock Landing Ship.

Along with his family, Art will be missed by his Miniature Schnauzer, Daisy Sue.

Memorials may be given to the Center for Hospice Care or the United Cancer Services of Elkhart County.

Online condolences can reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

Tonya Sharp, Elkhart, IN I am so sorry for your loss Amy. My prayers are with you and your family.

Peg Robbins, Elkhart, IN Sandy & family, I am so sorry to hear of Art's passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you. God be with you all during this difficult time. Sincerely~ Peggy (Basse) Robbins

Linda Snead, Elkhart, IN My deepest sympathies to Amy, Sandy, and the rest of the family. My prayers are with all of you.

Betty Patino/ Belt, Elkhart, IN You will be missed Art, When I worked at Elkhart Tool & Die, he was always there to help me as much as he could. he took me under his wing and treated me like as if I was one of his own kids. I will never forget you.

Mary (Lilley) Proctor, Elkhart, IN Sorry for you loss Amy. My prayers are with you and your family.

Chris Loucks, Lexington, KY My deepest sympathy to you and your family Scott. I know what the loss of a father is like. You have my heartfelt prayers in this time of loss.

Deborah (Doty) Simms, Elkhart, IN My deepest sympathy to your family, and I am so sorry that I never made it over to see you, my dad, (Uncle Gerald) thought very highly of you . I know you go to a better place to be with all those who went before you, I am just sorry I never really got to know you.

Dawn Farrell, Elkhart, IN love and miss you very much. i will be there to see you at the viewing!!