Alexander John Mickel, 87, of Richmond, touched by God, experienced a peaceful death on May 17, 2011. Loving all he knew, he was the son of Abe and Nahia Mickel; brother of Mitchell Mickel, Gloria Mickel Bevins and Fred Mickel; husband of Nadine Lackey Mickel; father of Sherry Mickel Parrish, Sandy Mickel Ruder and David Mickel; grandfather of Jessica Ruder, Grant Ruder and Shannon Parrish; father-in-law of Kim Ruder and John Parrish; and uncle of John Messere, Sharman Mickel, Denise Mickel Russell, Kevin Bevins, Thomas Bevins, Deborah Mickel Nasser, Pam Mickel, and Tanya Hatcher. Born and reared in Williamson, W.Va., served the Army in WWII, attended Marshall University. Alex was an active member and vestryman of The Church of the Epiphany, Shriners’ International and Masonic Lodge of W.Va. Prior to retirement, he worked at local firms and department stores. Funeral services will be held at The Church of the Epiphany on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 11 a.m. Rev. Mary Brennan Thorpe presiding. Family will receive guests at 10 a.m. and a reception will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall. Private interment at Arlington National Cemetery will occur later. In lieu of flowers, honor him with contributions to The Church of the Epiphany www.epiphanyepiscopal.com, 804-266-2503, 8000 Hermitage Rd., Richmond, Va. 23228. This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.