Norvelle Donald Lee Beheler

1927 - 2009

Norvelle Donald Lee Beheler, 81, of Roanoke, Va., died on Wednesday, January 21, 2009, at Lewis-Gale Hospital after a brave battle with a series of health issues. Don, PawPaw to his grandchildren, was born on November 27, 1927, the youngest of 10 children of James John and Vernie Maude Beheler. Don graduated from Jefferson High School and served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was retired from Roanoke Gas Company after 42 years. In his own time, he watched western movies, and especially loved John Wayne. But above all, he filled his hours with the company of his family, who remember him as quiet, kind, handsome and strong. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ruth Wade Beheler; his children, Cheryl Suzanne Bishop Beheler, Donna Ruth Beheler Gray and husband, Michael, Elizabeth B. Snider-Chittum and husband, David, and Steven Matthew Beheler and wife, Yvette; grandchildren, Davian Bishop, Heather Lee Gray Indrawan, Jennifer Lesley Gray Little, Eric Wade Snider, Mitchell Layne Snider and Meagan Nicole Beheler; and one great-granddaughter, Lindsay Marie Bishop. Services will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2009, at Oakey's South Chapel on Brambleton Avenue. Pastor Hilton Jeffreys will officiate. Interment will follow in Fair View Cemetery in Roanoke. The family will receive friends at Oakey's South Chapel from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2009. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family would like to thank Dr. Vandanna Karri and Dr. Nelson Greene. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.