Beech Tree News Network

Arvel Bratcher Jr. of Morgantown died peacefully in his sleep, with his wife Christine at his side, on April 24, 2020. He was born March 16, 1931, the oldest son of Arvel Sr. and Fanny Dellah Hawks of the Leonard Oak Community in Butler County, KY. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 40 years Christine Pagel Bratcher, son Dennis (Sharon) Bratcher, daughters Donna Bratcher, Denise Bratcher, Danielle Bratcher, Bonnie (Eric Anderson) Conklin and Racine (Brad) Miller of Michigan. He also leaves eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren of MI, PA, ID, WA and Canada and dear friends Pat Pagel and Cindy Pagel of MI and Ben Porter of Morgantown. He is also survived by his brother Granville (Shirley) Bratcher of Sturgis, KY and Charles Bratcher of Morgantown, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

He was a Korean War Veteran, a U S Marine Sergeant serving on the USS Coral Sea, air wing in the Mediterranean. He retired from G M Detroit Diesel after 35 years in Detroit and moved back to Butler County in 1988. He was a member of the Morgantown First United Methodist Church, volunteered for many years at the Morgantown Mission Food Pantry, was a faithful library supporter, an avid reader who kept informed of world events and enjoyed a good discussion. He was an excellent woodworker who built his own home, and equally supported his wife's interests. 

Arvel is preceded in death by his first wife Dolores Barnett Bratcher of KY, daughters Debra Bratcher Thomas of KY, Diane Bratcher of MI, brother Freddie Bratcher of Mt Washington, sister Mildred Bratcher of Morgantown and dear friend Duane Pagel of FL. 

For years he joked that he wanted his funeral one year after his death to see if anyone remembered him. No one knew how COVID-19 would change our lives. So, one year after his death April 24, 2021, we will have a Celebration of  Life service for Arvel on Saturday April 24, 2021 at 1:00pm at the  Morgantown First Methodist Church with Bro. Randy Nielsen officiating. Burial of the ashes will follow at the Noah Johnson Cemetery. Afterwards the family may gather at the Farm Boy Restaurant. Memorial contributions may be made to Morgantown First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 117 Morgantown, KY 42261 or Morgantown Mission 109 South Main St. Morgantown, KY 42261 Arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Chapel. Please share any photos, memories, condolences or light a candle in memory of Arvel at www.jonesfuneralchapel.com. Jones Funeral Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Arvel Bratcher Jr.

The family request everyone please wear a mask and practice social distancing.