In loving memory of
Ronald Fravel
November 5, 1941 - January 21, 2020
Ronald Fravel, 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on January 21, 2020, after a long illness. Ron was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and a wonderful friend. He will be missed by so many family and friends.
Ron was born in Princeton, Indiana, to Benjamin and Mary Grace Fravel on November 5, 1941. He was the second oldest among 6 kids. Music was an important part of his early family life and brought great joy to all those who were lucky enough to hear his family members sing and joke around with each other.
He joined the Marines when he was 17 and was very proud to serve. He was stationed in Southern California and after his service ended, he moved to Long Beach, CA. He married Susan Berliner and had a son, Phillip, who was the world to him. When his marriage ended, he became full-time single dad to Phillip.
Ron met Janet Schultz in 1975 at a small bar called Cero's in Anaheim where his brother, Connie, was the lead singer and guitar player in a band. Janet's best friend, Leslie, took her to Cero's to hear Connie play. Janet was instantly attracted to Ron who was on stage singing an Everly Brothers song along with Connie. Leslie introduced them and the rest is history. Ron and Jan were married on April 16, 1977. Phillip was 12 years old and was an usher at the wedding. In 1980, Jan and Ron were expecting their first child and decided to move to Tacoma, WA. Shelley was born a month later and 18 months later Polly was born. Their family was now complete.
Ron worked for Xerox as a Tech Rep for 33 years before retiring in 2000. There he made many life-long friends. He truly enjoyed his career with Xerox and took pride in his work. He rarely missed a day.
During their lives in Tacoma, Ron bought a boat and began many years of fishing. They bought a modest RV and started camping with the family and many friends. Many fond memories involve camping and fishing trips. Ron and a few friends built a barn on our property; we owned geese, rabbits and chickens all at different times. He tilled up a garden patch and grew vegetables for many years. Ron dug a pond in the back area of our property which was great fun for the kids, especially the year it froze solid and we were able to sled and slide around on it.
Ron had a natural warm and loving spirit and helped guide the lives of a number of young men including his youngest brother, his nephew, and a family friend. He took them under his wing and helped them during difficult times.
Ron told us many times that he felt blessed in his life and did all the things he ever wanted. He was a wonderful family man and took great care of his family and showed us his love every day.
We are all terribly sad to see him go--we will miss him more than words can say. He gave us so many happy memories and he will be in our hearts forever.
He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Janet, son Phillip and daughter-in-law Pam, daughters Shelley and Polly, granddaughter Audrey, and grandsons, Jared, Mason, Connor and Lee as well as a sister, Cindy, and numerous nieces and nephews.