Melvin Rachel, Jr.

Melvin Clarence Rachel Jr., age 64, of Mansfield, died early Thursday morning November 20, 2003 following an extended illness. Mr. Rachel was born January 14, 1939 in Wolf, West Virginia living in the Mansfield area most of his life. He retired from Conrail and was a member of Mansfield Baptist Temple. He lived in Ohio, but West Virginia is where his heart was! Mr. Rachel loved fixing up old cars and had numerous muscle cars, trucks and Harley Motorcycles. He loved sports, his favorite being football and basketball. Nascar was a favorite and #3 Dale Earnhardt was his favorite driver. Mr. Rachel was a 32nd-degree Mason, a member of Eastern Star with his wife. He was a wonderful and loving husband and friend. Mr. Rachel was a kind-hearted man whom loved the lord, his church, and held in high regard his loyalty to his family and friends.

Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Willa Rachel of Mansfield; five sons and daughters-in-law, Lindall & Lisa Rachel of Galion, Scott & Amy Rachel of Ohio, Jeff & Lori Cochran of Mansfield, Todd & Theresa Cochran of Mansfield, and Kent & Amy Rachel of Crestline; two daughters and sons-in-law, Theresa & Chris Buchanan of Columbus, Beverly & Luke Thomas of Mansfield; seventeen grandchildren, Shannon, Brook, Shawn & Daniel Rachel, Adam, Brittainey, & Logan Dallas; Cody, Kayla, Chris and Danielle Cochran; Taryn, Devin, & Dylan Ohl and Brandon Buchanan, Tyler and Morgan Thomas; two brothers, Gordon Rachel of Mansfield and Jack Rachel of Bay Town, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews and good friends including two best friends, David Sizemore and Ronnie Cox. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin C. & Louise Rachel Sr.; a sister, Daisy Howell and a granddaughter, Nikki Rachel.

Friends may call at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors from Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Masonic services will be held Sunday at 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Mansfield Baptist Temple, conducted by Rev. Dale V. Adkins. Burial will be in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Melvin Rachel Jr. memorial fund at Key Bank. The family wishes to thank the many church members, family, MedCentral Hospice, and friends for their kindness and good deeds shown to them during the illness of there loved one.