Beverly Roy Armel


Beverly Roy Armel, 81, died Feb. 11, 2012, at his home in Luray.

Mr. Armel was born Aug. 15, 1930, in Luray, Va., and was the son of the late Buford Roy and Blanche Virginia Hammer Armel. He was the grandson of George E. and Ida B. Kitchen Armel and Oscar and Mattie Bumgardner Hammer.

On Oct. 10, 1949, he was united in marriage to Lois Ann Hinton Armel of Luray, who survives. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two daughters, Teresa Ann Gander and husband, Jim, of Luray, Va., and Stephanie Kay Wentz and husband, Mark, of Shenandoah, Va. Also, two grandsons, Joshua and Christopher Gander and two granddaughters, Brooklyn and Beverly Wentz.

Upon graduation from Luray High School in 1948, he was employed by The Page Milling Co.

In 1952, he enlisted in The United States Air Force and served until 1956. He attained the rank of Staff Sgt. He was a veteran of the Korean War and a member of Comer-Jones Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 621 in Luray.

Upon discharge, he returned to work at the Page Milling Company and became assistant manager and vice president.

In November of 1960, he was appointed as a rural mail carrier for the Luray Post Office. During his 26 years, he served Routes 2 and 4, Luray and Route 1, Rileyville, Va. He retired in November 1986.

He was a charter member of the Luray Jaycees and served in various offices including that of president. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for his community service.

He was an active Freemason and belonged to the following Masonic bodies: Lafayette Lodge No. 137 A.F.&A.M. Luray, Va., Royal Arch Chapters Luray No. 4, Rockingham No. 6, Shenandoah No. 17, John Dove No. 21 and Hiram No. 45, Luray Commandery No. 19 Knights Templar, Bob M. Priode Council No. 203 Allied Masonic Degrees, Red Branch of Eri and Valley of VA York Rite College No. 161. He was awarded the coveted John Dove Medal for his dedicated services in Royal Arch Masonry. He was District Lecturer for the 15th Capitular District.

He was an avid country musician, who played with numerous bands during his lifetime.

On Jan. 31, 1943, he joined the Luray Methodist Church.

Graveside services will be held at Beahm’s Chapel Cemetery at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012. Masonic Rites will be performed by Lafayette Lodge No. 137 A.F.&A.M. and Military Honors by Comer Jones VFW Post No. 621.

Friends may call at 22 Bristol Ave., Luray, at any time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VFW Post No. 621, Luray, Va., or Lafayette Lodge No. 137, Luray, Va.