Obituary of Ben Hansel II

Ben Hansel II of Salem passed away suddenly on Sunday May 20, 2018. His parents, Elzie Gouchenour and John Seybert Hansel, a sister Virginia Bailey, and brother Dr. Jack Hansel preceded him.

Ben was born and raised in rural Highland County, Virginia. Ben attended Augusta Military Academy; upon graduation, he attended University of Virginia where he received a Bachelor’s Degree. In 1957, he was called to serve proudly in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant in the Artillery Division. After serving, he graduated from Washington and Lee University School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree. He was admitted to practice before the Virginia Supreme Court and the US District Court for the Western District of Virginia. He was a 2^nd generation attorney following in his father’s footsteps. Ben was also a member of the Virginia State Bar from 1962 to 2010. He retired as Senior Regional Counsel after 45 years of service with the Department of Veteran Affairs in Roanoke. Ben was a Master Mason and lifetime member of Highland Lodge No. 110 in Monterey, Virginia and a member of the Shiners in Roanoke. When he was not working, he enjoyed making woodworking projects as well as building his own cabin and enjoying the outdoors with his family.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 23 years Doris Turvey Hansel; sons, Ben H. Hansel III and wife Rosemary of North Carolina, Jonathan N. Hansel and wife Beth of North Carolina, step children, Frances Lee Shively of Florida, Stephanie J. Willoughby and husband Waid of Catawba; grandchildren, Rachael Hansel and T.J. Hansel; step granddaughter, Rachel S. Willoughby, along with nieces, Janis Bailey and Sybil Hutchins and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held 3:00pm Thursday May 24, 2018 at Simpson Funeral Home with Pastor Tom McCracken officiating. Inurnment will be private. Family will receive friends at the funeral home before the service from 1:00pm until service time. Condolences may be left for the family at www.simpsonfuneral.com. Arrangements handled by Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory, 366-0707.