Mark Fravel, Jr.

Dr. Mark Fravel Jr., age 85, passed away on Thursday September 21st 2017. He was born on January 21, 1932 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a longtime resident of Chesapeake, Virginia and retired in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Mark was the son of Colonel Mark and Gertrude (Dunn) Fravel. He is survived by his loving wife Jo Ann (Babb) Fravel. They were married on July 19, 1981 in Williamsburg Virginia.   He is also survived by two children and six grandchildren. Daughter, Deborah (Fravel)(David) Trueblood, son, Mark (Elaine) Fravel, grandchildren, Lindsey (Mark), Chelsie (Matthew), Megan (Fredrick), Zachary, Ashley and Kori.  He was preceded in death by one son, Wayne Neil Fravel who passed in 1974 at the age of 14.     Mark was a proud combat veteran, Sgt. 1/C, in the Korean War from 1949-1952.  His love of country was life long.     Mark held a Bachelors Degree from Rollins College, Masters from University of Florida, Certificate of Advanced Studies from Florida Atlantic and a Doctorate from Wayne State University. Mark started his career in education in 1955 and worked at Fern Creek Elementary, The University of Florida, Florida Atlantic University, and Wayne State University. Mark spent most of his career as a social studies professor in the school of education at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia from 1972- 1997.   In 1985, he served as the President on the National Association of State Boards of Education. He also served as the vice-president committee chairman on the Virginia Board of Education, and the Virginia councils of social studies. He was a 33rd degree mason of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Shrine. Mark also contributed a number of publications on education and social studies.     He had a love for antiques and restoring old furniture. In his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed many summers antiquing in Pennsylvania. Their business, Yellowed Rose Antiques, is in the Williamsburg Antique Mall.     The visitation will be held at TM Ralph Funeral Homes, 7001 NW 4th St, Plantation, FL 33317 on September 24th, 2017 at 4pm. Celebration of life will be from 5:30-6PM held by Bishop Duane Swilley. The funeral service will be held at 2pm, on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Great Bridge Presbyterian Church, 333 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, with the committal taking place in Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9pm, Friday, September 29, at Oman Funeral Home, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, with Masonic Rites taking place at 7pm. He will be returning home to Virginia for his final resting place near his son Wayne. Funeral arrangements in Virginia to follow at www.omenfh.com    In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to the families “Longest Day” Event Page, http://act.alz.org/site/TR/LongestDay2018/TheLongestDay?pg=team&fr_id=10935&team_id=441046   Donations can also be made out to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please note Longest Day Event, team name, Dr. Mark Fravel Jr. 3323 W Commercial Blvd, Suite 260 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.