Richard Vogel

Richard Albert "Al" Vogel | Visit Guest Book
VOGEL, RICHARD ALBERT "AL," 87, of Louisville, passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 in Fort Walton Beach, FL (his "snow bird" residence).

Al was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Frances; daughter, Cindy Vogel; parents, John and Julia Vogel; brother, John Wilbert Vogel; sisters, Clara Mae Wolfe, Thelma Telman, Marie Baumgardner; and long-time dear friend, Michael Thompson.

Al is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Linda Vogel; daughters, Julia Burton (Billy Joe) of Norcross, GA , Sally Haner (Steve) of Louisville; stepson, Ted Britt (Gloria) of Louisville; stepdaughter, Teresa Parker (Lucas) of Louisville; grandchildren, Marty, Andy, Steven "Michael", Chris, Luke, Bailey, Michael, Alex and Adam; great-grandchildren, Maggie, Audrey and Lyla; sister, Irma Waller (Choke) of Louisville; brother, Mel Vogel of Reston, VA; and many wonderful and loving friends, Marine comrades and family members. Al was born and raised in Louisville, KY and graduated from Ahrens Trade School. He joined the Marine Corps and served his nation during World War II, fighting in combat in the Pacific Theater from 1942-1945. He received the Bronze Star and other medals of achievement. After the war, Al attended Murray State College in Murray, KY and graduated with a teaching degree. He taught at Cane Run Elementary School in Louisville for seven years.

Al then pursued his remaining life-long career as a home builder, helping to develop Louisville's "South End." He was a very active member of the Louisville Home Builders Association serving on the Membership Committee.

Al was a life-long member of St. Stephen United Church of Christ. He served as a past board member for the YMCA - south branch. Al was one of the founding members of the Iroquois Hill Runners and was an avid runner for over thirty-five years. He ran many marathons including the "Marine Corps Marathon" in Washington, D.C. and many half marathons. Al ran the first "Mini-Marathon," an event surrounding the Kentucky Derby and jokingly stated that by the time he arrived at the finish line, the clock was being taken down.

Al was a quiet, strong inspiration to all who knew him and his time on Earth was well spent. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. Funeral service will be at Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 8 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL, with complimentary valet parking, on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends after the service until 5 p.m. The family will also receive friends at Joseph E. Ratterman & Son Funeral Home, 7336 Southside Drive, Louisville, on Thursday, February 10, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Friday, February 11, 2011 at St. Stephen United Church of Christ, 1875 Farnsley Road, Shively, KY at 10 a.m. Reverend Jim Harper III will officiate the services. Interment will follow in Louisville Memorial Gardens West.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests, in Al's memory, that contributions be made to Brooklawn Child and Family Services, Louisville, KY or to his church.

To share memories, offer condolences and sign the guestbook, please visit www.davis watkins.com or www.ratterman.com