Robert J. Mast, 81, of Nappanee, Ind., passed away at 4 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, at Doctor’s Hospital in Sarasota, Fla., where he had been a patient for four days, after an extended illness.

He was born July 18, 1932, in Nappanee, to the late Jacob and Amanda (Miller) Mast. On Aug. 17, 1952, he married Arlene Lehman at North Main Street Mennonite Church in Nappanee.

Mr. Mast was a lifetime resident of Nappanee. He was the founder of Mast Upholstering in 1954 which continues today as a family business. He attended Nappanee Missionary Church. Robert was a member of the Gideons and the John Deere Two Cylinder Club. He had also been a Fuller Brush Dealer.

He is survived by his wife; a daughter: Marcia (Jerry) Bernaert, New Paris, Ind.; sons: Denny (Karen) Mast and Jim (Patty) Mast, both of Nappanee; grandchildren: Jason Mast, Michelle Marshall, Adam Mast, Lindsey Mast, Ben Bernaert, Darin Bernaert; great-grandchildren: Tenley Mast, Paisley Mast; and brothers: Lester (Eloise) Mast, Milford, Ind.; and Ray (Marge) Mast, Valparaiso, Ind.

He was preceded in death by a son: Ronald; and a brother: Gilbert.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, Ind., and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at Nappanee Missionary Church. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday , Jan. 23, at Nappanee Missionary Church. Pastor Norm Reimer and Pastor Marvin Engbrecht will officiate. Burial will be in Union Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Nappanee Missionary Church.