Donald Imel
Donald Imel

Obituary of Donald Imel

Funeral services for Donald "Doc" Imel, 81, of Columbia, will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, December 8, 2016, at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 403 Park Road, Lexington. Reverend Tom DiMarco will officiate. Interment will follow the service in Woodridge Memorial Park, 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington. The family will greet friends at the cemetery following the interment. Woodridge Funeral Home of Lexington is assisting the family. "Doc" Imel, Naturopathic Doctor, beloved father and grandfather, died Sunday, December 4, 2016 of natural causes. Doc pursued his passion in natural medicine, obtaining degrees in Naturopathy, Homeopathy and Nutrition after the age of 40. Doc became the only ND in the Midlands when he opened his practice, Alternative Health, and practiced until his retirement in 2014. In his eyes, the many awards and accolades he received never equated to the joy he felt helping others get well naturally, without the use of drugs and medications. His colorful life was what books are written about; shortly after his birth during the Great Depression, his mother was unable to care for him, and he was adopted by his namesake, his uncle; Donald "Ralph" Imel. The two bachelors faced many trials and tribulations, and at one point, had to jump on a box car to the next town to look for work. His father opened and ran several businesses while Don was growing up, including owning restaurants and a pool hall, where a young Donald learned how to play competitive pool. Don crossed paths with those would become household names; including having classes with basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain at the University of Kansas, and drinks with greatest boxer of all time, Cassius Clay, in Las Vegas. Some years later, while Don taught at a karate studio, he sparred with acclaimed martial arts expert Chuck Norris. Doc's knowledge of natural remedies, sense of humor and contagious laugh will be missed greatly by all who know and love him. Don is survived by his daughter, Ananda Simpson (Roger); son, Madison Imel (fiancée, Holley Gleaton); son, Zen Imel; daughter, Deva Imel; son, Bodhi Imel, and many grandchildren. Don was predeceased by 2 sons, Krishna "Kris" Imel and Rahm Imel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 403 Park Road, Lexington, SC 29072 or to the Heritage at Lowman Home, 201 Fortress Drive, Chapin, SC 29036.
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Funeral Service

DEC 8. 01:00 PM St. Alban's Episcopal Church 403 Park Road Lexington, SC, US, 29072

Interment

Woodridge Memorial Park 138 Corley Mill Rd. Lexington, SC, 29072 info@woodridge-lexington.com http://www.woodridgememorialpark.com/
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