Bernard Zhon Rebman, Jr. departed this life Tuesday, July 29 at the age of 79, after a courageous battle with cancer and diabetes. He was born April 22, 1935 in Barton, Alabama.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 1st, at Morrison Funeral Home in Cherokee. The funeral service will immediately follow in the chapel. Reverend Wayne Green, Reverend Tony Datuin, and Father Roy Runkle will be officiating. A graveside service and burial will be in Barton Cemetery.
Bernard is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Vera Bailey Rebman, to whom he was married for 53 years; and sister, Mary Kelly. His children are Robin (Mardell); Rhonda Rebman-Lopez (Jorge); Phillip and Paul Rebman. Grandchildren are Heather Rebman-Gates (Jack); Ben and Noah Lopez; Mary Grace and Elijah Rebman. Great-granddaughter is Viktoria Gates.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Zhon Rebman, Sr. and Maude Brown Rebman and sisters, Imogene Kennedy; Pearlene Perez; Juanita Estey; Ruby Thompson, and Betty Thompson.
Bernard graduated from Cherokee High School and served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1960. He was recalled to active duty during the Berlin Crisis through an executive order from President John F. Kennedy in 1961 and served until August, 1962. He was employed at Reynolds Alloys for thirty years in the casting division.
Bernard enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, entertaining his grandchildren, and Alabama football.
Pallbearers will be Ben and Noah Lopez, Elijah Rebman, Jack Gates, Gary Thompson, Mark Kelly, and Johnie Bailey.
Honorary pallbearers will be former employees of Reynolds Cast House and members of Cherokee High School football team 1954-1956.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Barton Volunteer Fire Department or the Barton Cemetery Fund.
The family of Mr. Rebman greatly appreciates the excellent care he received from Dr. Robert Bailey, Dr. Dwight Matthews, the staff of Davita Dialysis, and Amedisys Hospice employees.
