John P. Reichel, Msgt, Ret.

Martinez, GA - John P. Reichel, 90, beloved husband of Maria J. Reichel for 52 years, entered into rest on Monday, May 25, 2009.
Funeral services including full military honors will be held on Friday, May 29, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. at Platt’s Funeral Home Belair Rd. chapel with Chaplain Dexter Lambert officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Orphaned as a young child, Mr. Reichel fulfilled his dream of serving his country by entering the United States Army at his earliest opportunity. His military service included active duty in Europe during World War II with the 12th Armored Division. A recipient of numerous awards and commendations, Mr. Reichel retired from the Army having achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. He continued working closely with the military for decades as a signal instructor at Fort Dix and Fort Gordon until his final retirement in 1990 after more than 46 years of combined service.
Mr. Reichel, a resident of Martinez, GA for over 30 years, was most known for his love of gardening, early education, and participation in government, all of which became full-time pursuits in his retirement. Over the last 30 years, Mr. Reichel created hundreds of learning books and audiocassettes for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His regular correspondence with everyone from local politicians to international leaders on civic, diplomatic, and environmental matters is memorialized in several volumes containing thousands of letters. Mr. Reichel remained active even after his 90th birthday last Christmas Eve, enjoying time outdoors and with his family.
Mr. Reichel survived a brother, Walter Reichel, and his wife, Rita, of Norristown, PA.
John and Maria had four children, Gabriela Reichel Wood and Susan Rhodes (both predeceased), Elisabeth Almon of Conyers, GA, and John R. Reichel, also of Martinez, GA. Mr. Reichel was survived by grandchildren Mark Reichel and his wife Victoria of Indianapolis, IN, Jennifer Gibson of Grovetown, GA, Kelly Bailey of Gilbert, SC, Lynzee Reichel of Holly Springs, GA, Christie Cobb and her husband Matt of Lexington, SC, and Zachary and Abigail Almon of Martinez, GA, and great-grandchildren Alyssa Gibson, Cameron Duncan, Christopher Reichel, Jonathan Taylor, Emma Schnebelt, and Riley Cobb.
In lieu of flowers, his family encourages donations to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital of Memphis, TN, or the Trinity Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in Mr. Reichel’s honor.