Patrick Raymond Ovel

Patrick was born in San Pedro, California and grew up in Visalia. He attended Blessed Sacrament School until 1965 and George McCann Memorial School until 1971. As a boy he enjoyed the outdoors, reading poetry and had a passion for animals. During his teenage years, he worked as a Veterinarian Assistant.

Pat graduated from Mt. Whitney High School in 1975 and thereafter, joined the United States Army. While serving our country, he was stationed in Alaska for 3 years, Turkey for 1 year and Virginia for the remaining time of his service. He was honorably discharged in 1984.

Pat received training in woodworking while in the Army, which became a stepping stone for his career as a custom cabinet maker. He worked on many elaborate projects in Washington D.C., including The Reagan Building. Pat was highly mentioned in certain design builds placed at the Smithsonian, and his talent earned his company very well deserved design patents. In 2014, he retired from Jozsa Wood Works.

Pat enjoyed playing the harmonica, canoeing, camping and for a period of time, he raised hedgehogs and up to 90 rabbits.

Pat loved adventures and experienced some which are very memorable. While in Alaska, he took a canoe trip that unknowingly led him down a waterfall, and another where he encountered an unexpected grizzly bear. In 1997, he and his children took tubes & rafts on the Rappahannock River. It was only supposed to be a day trip, but they accidentally got separated and didn’t reunite until 2:00 AM. Pat’s most recent adventure was a cross country “on a whim” road trip with his oldest son, where they enjoyed the scenery & landmarks of 14 different states.

His greatest love was spending time with his children and grandchildren. When a family gathering took place, or a family member paid a visit, his heart was full.

Pat is survived by his mother, Patricia Ann Coel Ovel; his children, Jason Ovel, Sean Ovel (Dawn), Nicholas Ovel, and Sarah Palacios (Juan); his brother, Michael Ovel, and his sisters, Cindy Jones and Laurie Herrera (Manuel).

Pat will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Connor, Cara, Miriam, Liam, Sofia, Aaron, and Samantha.

A visitation for Pat will be held Friday, June 14, 2024 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, Stafford Chapel.

His funeral service will begin at 1:00pm at the funeral home and his inurnment will follow at 2:30pm at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA.