John William Rachel

John William Rachel, 90, of Russellville, passed away Sunday, July 6, 2014 at the Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville. The son of James Ira and Annice (Witt) Rachel, he was born October 2, 1923 in Russellville. He married Maggie Lou Brown, on June 6, 1946 at Russellville. He was a United States Army Veteran of World War II. Rising to the rank of Corporal, he served as a mobile 90mm anti-tank gunner following behind General Patton 3rd Army across the Rhine and into Germany. After being honorably discharged he returned home and worked at numerous jobs including Newton Tire, the Rail Road and as a motor grader operator for Pope County. He was a member of the 5th and Greenwich Church of Christ in Russellville and the VFW Post #2283 in Russellville. He enjoyed playing cards and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Perry Neal Rachel.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Maggie Lou Rachel of Russellville; son, Johnny Lee Rachel and wife, Deborah of Phoenix, AZ; two grandchildren, Stacey Lea Rachel of Lancaster, CA and Douglas Ryan Rachel of Phoenix, AZ; five siblings, James Erwin Rachel and wife, Hettie of Russellville, Aubrey Harold Rachel of Clarkston, MI, Betty Ruth Rachel of London, Iris Brown of Russellville, and Helen Bowden of Auburn, WA; sister-in-law, Jane Rachel Howard; and numerous nieces, nephews cousins and extended family.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00PM, Friday, July 11, 2014 at Humphrey Chapel in Russellville. Burial will be at Booher Cemetery in Russellville by Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 6-8PM, on Thursday, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home, 220 John Babbish Lane, Russellville, AR 72801. Internet obituary and on-line guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.

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