Raymond Fravel Obituary

Rev. Dr. Raymond Duke Fravel of York, PA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in the loving presence of his high school sweetheart, Margaret (Dunlap) Fravel; the two would have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary July 19, 2024.

Born January 25, 1936, in Philipsburg, PA, Raymond was the son of the late Norman Fravel, and Mildred (Gonder) Fravel. Throughout high school and then as a student at Lycoming College, Ray had a reputation for living life to its fullest. During his high school football games, he would change at halftime from his football uniform to his band uniform and then back into his shoulder pads and helmet for the second half of the game.

Rev. Dr. Fravel went on to obtain a Master of Theology from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1961; as well as a Master of Education and PhD from the University of Pittsburgh in 1963 and 1970 respectively.

A devout Christian, Rev. Dr. Fravel lived his life serving others. He spent a lifetime in Christian service to his denomination, the United Methodist Church. He served churches in Canton, Carlisle, Clearfield, Gardners, Patton, Pittsburgh, and York Pennsylvania.

Raymond also spent five years on the faculty of Shippensburg University from 1968 through 1972.

Rev. Dr. Fravel was Chairman of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Shippensburg - a program in which students from the University served as volunteer mentors for disadvantaged children. He was also Chairman of the Board of the Clearfield YMCA Committee for Day Care; President of Rotary International - Carlisle Club; Member of Albright College of Board of Trustees 1982 - 1994, Chairman of Volunteers in Mission of the United Methodist Church, and organized and led teams of volunteers repairing homes of disadvantaged families and extending help to victims of natural disasters. Rev. Dr. Fravel was also honored to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, the Servants organization in York, as well as a pastor for White Rose Hospice which provided care for the terminally ill.

In addition to his wife, Ray is survived by his son, Robert Fravel and wife, Lisa, of Boiling Springs, PA, his daughter Elizabeth (Betsy) Fravel-Sives and husband, Eric, of Wantage, NJ; as well as five grandchildren: Ashlie, Edward, Jacob, Matthew, and Tyler and two great grandchildren: Austyn and Autumn. Additionally, Ray is survived by a large extended family led by his three younger sisters: Sandra Olson, Norma Wiers, and Susan Gara all from the Niagara Falls, NY area.

Ray will be remembered for his passion for the outdoors, including skiing, golfing, gardening, sailing, canoeing, and having quite a lead-foot. He loved pushing the extremes, likely feeling confident God would ensure his safety.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at a later date.