William Jerome Reichel, known by friends and family as Jerry or simply Pop, passed away February 4, 2019 at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston. He was born in Macon, Missouri on December 22, 1937 to William Theodore Reichel and Margaret Butler Reichel. He was their only child. Jerry lived most of his life in Texas, graduating from Lamar High School in Rosenberg, Texas. He attended Texas Agricultural and Industrial College in Kingsville, Texas and also the University of Houston. He married Mary Lee Shofner on January 28, 1961. Jerry and Mary were married 54 years before Mary’s death.
After working as a medical technologist and a pharmaceutical supply salesman, Jerry became a paramedic in 1979 and helped establish Central Emergency Medical Service in West Columbia. He served there as the first EMS Chief. He founded Emergency Consultants, Inc. in 1984. Jerry was truly a pioneer in Texas EMS. Jerry enjoyed gardening and fishing.
Jerry is survived by two sons, William Scott Reichel (Cheri) of League City and Patrick Alan Reichel (Colleen) of Danciger. He is also survived by three grandchildren, William Travis Reichel and Tyler Ryan Reichel of League City and Samantha Ann Reichel of Danciger.
A memorial service is planned for 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 8, 2019 at Palms Funeral Home in Angleton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.