Gary Roland Fravel

Rev. Gary Roland Fravel, 75, died suddenly on June 5, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Survivors include his son, Cory Roland (Pam Roblyer) Fravel of Alpharetta, Georgia; daughter Mayme Fravel (John) Polstra of Indianapolis; brother Douglas (Sheree Thompson) Fravel of Spottswood, Virginia; grandchildren Ben and Audra Polstra; longtime friend Debbie Fravel; and several generations of cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Gary was son of the late Robert Roland Fravel, Jr. and George Anna (Rosen) Fravel of Spottswood; and the brother of Michael and Mark Fravel, also deceased.

After receiving his bachelors degree from Virginia Tech, Rev. Fravel taught elementary school in Newport News and Brownsburg, Virginia. He was president of his graduation class at Erskine Seminary, where he graduated with honors.  

Gary's will begins with this statement to his children: "The greatest and most precious gift I have for you is the gift passed on to me through the many generations of Mama's and Daddy's families--the strong Presbyterian faith that forms and undergirds my life." His life was truly shaped by that faith.

Gary served as minister of Ora Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) Church, Laurens, South Carolina, from 1979 to 1982, and spoke fondly of how wonderful it was in his first full-time church not only to have a supportive congregation, but also to be able to draw on the wisdom of several other ministers who attended there.

From there, he became minister of Glenwood Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, from 1982-1989.  He appreciated the many strengths of that church and the  loving kindness of its members.

In 1989 the family moved to St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, where he served the First Presbyterian Church until a health crisis led to his becoming disabled in 1992. The church generously continued to support Gary and his family financially so they could remain there until Mayme graduated from high school and Debbie finished her graduate studies. 

Gary and his family remain grateful to all these churches for their kindness, and particularly for the way Cory and Mayme had a series of loving surrogate grandparents in these churches as they were growing up.

Once he retired to Indianapolis, Rev. Fravel attended and supported Irvington Presbyterian Church. Most recently, he had instituted Sunday services in his home at the Lutherwoods at Rosewalk Assisted Living Community, for residents unable to attend services elsewhere.  

Those who desire may direct memorials to the Irvington Presbyterian Church Arts Collaborative, 55 Johnson Avenue, Indianapolis IN 46219, or at irvpresby.org