JOSEPH HOWARD RATHEL

We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Howard Rathel, age 70, of Iron City, GA who passed away December 31, 2012 at his residence. Funeral services for Mr. Rathel will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2012 at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Evans-Skipper Funeral Home in Donalsonville, GA with Rev. Jimmy Walden officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 PM on January 1, 2013 at Evans-Skipper Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Corinth Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery in Iron City, GA. You may sign the online guest register at www.evansskipperfh.com. Mr. Rathel was born in Seminole County on October 9, 1942 to the late Hulon and Callie Harlow Rathel. He was a member of Unity Church of God and the Seminole County Young Farmers, and a past member of the Iron City Lions Club. Mr. Rathel was one of the original planners of the Iron City School reunion, a member of the Board of Equalization, a school bus driver for 43 years and a farmer. He is survived by his wife Joan Rathel; one son, Loren Rathel and Meri; a daughter,Lora Hornsby and her husband Bill; and grandchildren, Brooke Hornsby and Logan Hornsby all of Iron City, GA. He is also survived by three brothers, Minter Rathel and his wife Linda of Iron City, GA; Rev. Rollin Rathel and his wife Vina of Donalsonville, GA; and Billy Rathel and his wife Sandy of Cairo, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents Hulon and Callie Harlow Rathel; a brother, Walter Rathel, one infant brother and an infant sister. Casketbearers will be Marlon James, Larry Fennell, Buddy Roberts, Larry Evans, Nathan Wiggins and Wendell Cross. Seminole County school bus drivers will serve as honorary casketbearers.