Donald M. Ravel

Donald M. Ravel of Wyomissing, PA entered into eternal rest on November 2, 2012 at home under hospice care.

Donald was born January 22, 1931 on Blair Ave., Reading, PA the youngest of seven children of the late George F. Ravel and Emma C. (Burkhart) Ravel.

He is survived by wife Helen (Auer) Ravel. They were married May 22, 1950 in Elkton, MD sharing 62 years together.

Donald is also survived by sons Michael M. Ravel husband of Debbie (Wertz) Ravel, Wyomissing, Bruce D. Ravel, husband of Cynthia (Ober) Ravel, Mendham, NJ, and Thomas C. Ravel husband of Linda (Anderson) Ravel, Bern Township. There are six grandchildren: Michelle M. wife of Michael Jackson, Mohnton, Stephanie L. wife of Robert Bloss, Shillington, David M. Ravel husband of Leisha (Stauffer) Ravel, Spring Township, Haley E. Ravel, West Lawn, Natalie Ravel and Matthew Ravel, Mendham, NJ. Also four great grandchildren: Madison and Makinley Jackson and Sarah and Daniel Bloss. Donald is survived by two sisters: Norma Kissling widow of Wayne Kissling, Reading and Mary Virginia Gilmer, wife of Forrest Gilmer, residents of Berks Heim. He was predeceased by brothers: Floyd F., and George E., and sisters: Emily MacLeod, and Betty J. Reed. Also 15 nieces and nephews and their families survive him. He is also survived by sister in law Eloise Auer Blake, Roswell, NM.

For 22 years Ravel was a papermaker at the historic Cresford Paper Mill located along the Tulpehocken Creek at its jointure with the Schuylkill River until it was ravaged by Hurricane Agnes in June 1972. From 1972 until 1989 Ravel was proprietor of Birdsboro Beverage and brewer of Pagoda Birch Beer. Donald was a charter member of Berks County's Swimming and Diving Officials Organization.

A Memorial service will be Saturday at 12 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. A visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Berks Visiting Nurse Assn. 1170 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing, PA 19610, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.