Ernest F. Rockel, 80 of Hamlin, WV went home to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday June 14, 2014 at home. Ernest was born March 23, 1934 a son of the late Samuel and Lillie Rockel. He was raised by his sister and brother-in-law Robert and Virginia Sturgill at Dingess and Holden, WV.
Ernest was retired from West Virginia Department of Highways and a member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church for 39 years. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Patsy Rockel; a son Roger Rockel; brothers, Carl, Noah, and Sherman Rockel; sisters, Cora Lee, Virginia; and two baby sisters.
Ernest is survived by his son Tim (Trudy) Rockel and daughter Brenda Rockel; four grandchildren, Erica (Chris) Lapole, Whitney (Jared) Gillispie, Nicholas Rockel, and Nathan Dailey; two great grandsons, Chase Lapole and Bryson Gillispie; one great granddaughter due in July; one sister Julia Lawson of N.C.; several loving nieces and nephews; and one special friend Wanda Owens. Ernest was a veteran of the U. S. Army 1st Cav. Division having served in the Korean War. He loved this country that he fought for.
Funeral service will be 1:00 PM Wednesday June 18, 2014 at Handley Funeral Home, Hamlin, WV with Robert Adkins officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Memory Gardens, Hamlin with military gravesite honors by American Legion Post 111 of Hamlin. Viewing will be from 6 to 8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.