Dr. R. Douglas Cassel, 78, of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at his home with his family by his side.
As a general surgeon, he made a number of trips to the Central African Republic to do surgery with Grace Brethren doctors there, first with Dr. Floyd Taber, and later with doctors William Walker and Harold Mason. At the time of his death his personal memoir entitled “On the Road to Bangui: Adventures of a Safari Surgeon” was in final edit at BMH Books of Winona Lake, Indiana. Several Grace Brethren retired missionaries also contributed to the book, including Roy Snyder and Eddie Mensinger.
Doug was born on February 23, 1934 in Hershey, the son of the late R. Earl and Sylvia (Saufley) Cassel. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Joyce Moine Cassel; four daughters Kristin Fluman and husband Albert of Gettysburg, Cheryl Stine and husband Walter of Hershey, Carol Bowser and husband David of Hershey, and Cindy Raboci and husband Scott of Dillsburg; brothers Richard (Pat) Cassel, Cleon (Dottie) Cassel and sister Kay (Lynn) Jones all of Hummelstown. As a grandparent, “Papal” loved his nine grandchildren Albert, (Renee’) Harrison, (Kathleen) Erin, Josh, (Kyleigh) Heidi, Kirstie, (Ray) Danielle, Jessica, and Emily; his five great grandchildren Aubrey, Amelia, Parker, Collin, and Ray.
He was a graduate of Hershey High School where he was a PIAA Wrestling State Runner-up. He attended Penn State University and was a member of the 1953 Penn State National Championship wrestling team. He went on and received his Master of Divinity at Grace Seminary. His medical education started at Hahnemann Medical School and his residency was completed at Harrisburg Hospital.
Dr. Cassel practiced general surgery at his private offices in Hummelstown and Linglestown as well as area hospitals. He loved the Lord and had a passion for medical missions serving in both Central African Republic and Costa Rica. He was a member of CrossPoint United Methodist Church in Harrisburg.
Doug was an avid fly fisherman, hunter, and tennis player. He will be remembered and greatly missed.
Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing on Friday, June 1st at the Hoover Funeral Home in Hershey from 5:00-7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 2 at 2:00 PM at the CrossPoint Church, 430 Colonial Road, Harrisburg. Burial will follow in the Hanoverdale Church Cemetery, Hummelstown.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110.