Earl G. Reubel

On Thursday, December 29, 2011 Earl Gilbert Reubel was suddenly and unexpectedly called to eternal rest. Earl was born January 12, 1937 at Harlem Hospital Center in New York City to the late Earl G. Reubel and Elsie “Dutton” Reubel Avery during the period known as the Harlem Renaissance. He graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School, before entering St. Johns University. Earl was drafted in the United States Army in 1960 and served for ten years. He began as a Private, and completed his term as a Chief Warrant Officer and a Helicopter Pilot, who served in Vietnam. He resigned his position with the Army in 1970, and began High Life Helicopters. High Life started with one helicopter performing search and rescue operations in the Pacific Northwest, and by the company’s end had grown to a fleet of 22 helicopters. Earl and his nephew, William “Joe” Reubel (whom he considered his son), created Verdan Healthcare. Verdan became the platform for the creation of Kerma Medical Products, Inc. in 1991, which was headed by Earl’s wife, Joyce Kershaw Reubel, whom he married in 1988. Though Earl proudly handed over the reins of Kerma Medical Products Inc. to Joe, he continued to serve as Executive Vice President. In 2011, Earl, Joe and the rest of the Kerma family celebrated its’ 20th anniversary. Earl always continued to influence, encourage, and mentor his Kerma family and others. Earl was preceded in death by his father Earl G. Reubel, his mother Elsie Dutton Reubel Avery, brother William J. Reubel Sr., and stepson Keith Kershaw. He is survived by his wife Joyce Kershaw-Reubel, his sister Lillian Ming (Earl), son William Joseph (Danielle),daughters Michelle Reubel-Rhodes (Tom) and Andrea Reubel-Walker (Jacques); stepson Barry Kershaw (Nanette); grandchildren Veronique and Michael Reubel, James Rhodes, Ezaias E. Earl Reubel-Harris, Christopher and B. Matthew Kershaw, Courtney Walker, John and Jacob Nhial; nieces Lynne Groves, Donna Smith (Matt), Tanisha and Kianna Smith, nephew Richard Matthews (Anita), special friends Malka Bracey and Howard Bright (Lillie); and a host of other relatives and friends. Earl will truly be missed by all. Viewing will be held on Friday, January 6, 2012 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at J. T. Fisher Funeral Services, 1248 N. George Washington Hwy., Chesapeake. A life celebration service will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 12:00noon at Historic Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church, 7036 Chesapeake Blvd., Norfolk, with Rev. Dr. Joseph P. Lee, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake. The family has entrusted J. T. Fisher Funeral Services to handle the final care arrangements. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.jtfisherfuneralservices.com

Earl G. Reubel

January 12, 1937 - December 29, 2011