Joel (Buddy) Pravata, 79, of Slidell, died May 1, 2016, at home.

He was born July 2, 1936 in Slidell, and was the son of the late Marilyn and Joesph Pravata.

Joel was an aeronautical design engineer and later started his own business in the electrical design field.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Gwen and Andrew Buell of Bogalusa; son, Richard of Houston, Texas; and his brother, Reyn of Ocean Springs, Miss. He was also preceded in death by his son, Todd.

He had two great-grandchildren, Jack and Austin Buell of Slidell; and three grandchildren, Josh Buell of Slidell, Justin Buell of Littleton, Colo., and Sallie Stewart of Houston.

Joel was very interested in science and astronomy, and at Joel’s request his body was donated to the LSU School of Medicine for the advancement of science.