April 2, 1932 — Dec. 19, 2013

Verlin “Bert” C. Dillman, 81, of Niles passed away at Westwoods of Niles on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013.

Bert was born to the late Herman and Ina Belle (Hiner) Dillman on April 2, 1932, in Niles.

On Dec. 5, 1953, he married Elda Mae Yaw at a ceremony at Grace United Methodist Church (formerly Evangelical United Brethren) in Niles.

For over 35 years, Bert worked as a truck driver for Spector and Roadway Trucking, retiring in 1994. In his spare time and after retirement he enjoyed genealogy, dancing, and was naturally gifted with music. He was a charter member and past camp commander for the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War; Camp 85 Berrien County, Mich. Bert was also mechanically talented and could fix anything.

Preceding Bert are his parents, a daughter Deborah Dillman and his sister Norma Thomas.

He is survived by his wife, Elda Dillman of Niles, his daughter Valerie (Mike) Wurn of Osceola, a son Rex Dillman of Buchanan, his brother Ray (Frances) Dillman of Niles, a brother-in law Gerald (Beverlie) Thomas of Niles and a granddaughter Kristen (Sean) Hood of Mishawaka, Ind.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Bert’s memory may do so to The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War Camp 85 of Berrien County, Mich. in care of Chuck Pfauth P.O. Box 223, Baroda, Mich. 49101 or Pet Refuge 4626 S Burnett Drive, South Bend, IN 46614, or Grace United Methodist Church 501 Grant St, Niles, MI 49120.

Condolences, photos and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or www.Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles.

A Celebration of Bert’s Life will be Sunday, December 29, 2013 from 3-8 p.m. at St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church Hall, 52455 N. Ironwood Rd, South Bend, IN 46635.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services.