Mr. Francis Rachal

Frank Rachal Obituary Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Church in Lebeau, Louisiana for Francis (Frank) Rachal, age 85, who died in Columbia, Maryland on October 4, 2017. Frank was born in Plaisance, Louisiana on June 18, 1932 and, as a child, moved with his family to Lebeau, La. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1952, then served in the Army and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. On the G.I. Bill, he attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now the University of Louisiana, Lafayette), graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1959. Frank went on to receive his Master's Degree in Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Frank married his childhood sweetheart, Christina, in 1960, and moved to Baltimore where he worked as an Electrical Engineer, then Manager, at Westinghouse, Inc. in Friendship, Md. While at Westinghouse, Frank received several patents as part of his engineering group. After retiring from Westinghouse, Frank pursued a second career as a writer, publishing a novel and a book of short stories, all set in the Lebeau region. He also spent his free time researching Louisiana Creole history and genealogy, and playing golf as a member of the Forest Park Golf Club Senior’s League. He frequently returned to Lebeau with his wife to spend time with relatives and relax in their country home. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Christina Monteilh Rachal of Columbia, Md.; his daughters Pamela Marie Rachal of Upper Marlboro, Md., Lavinia Marie Rachal of Silver Spring, Md.; his son Francis Joseph Rachal, daughter-in-law Dawn Ursula-Rachal and granddaughter Julia Jackson Monteilh Rachal of Bowie, Md. Frank is also survived by his sister; Elnora Rachal Stelly of Houston, Tx, brother Paul Rachal and sister-in-law Beverly Rachal of Houston, TX, a host of beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, godchildren, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph Kilrin Rachal and Lovenia Pitre Rachal; and siblings, Willie Rachal, Antonio Rachal, Joicy (Rachal) Fruge, Mable (Rachal) Semien, Agnes (Rachal) Readore, Ferman Rachel, Virginia (Rachal) Malveaux, Joseph Merrill Rachal, and Catherine (Rachal) Thibodeaux. Visiting hours will be observed at 9:00 am, Praying of the Rosary by Legion of Mary at 10:30 and Funeral Mass at 11:00 on Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lebeau, LA. Interment will be in Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Lebeau, LA.

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Mr. Francis Rachal

June 18, 1932 - October 4, 2017