Paul Herbert Eberl

EBERL, Paul Herbert, age 68, of Kettering, OH, formerly of Chesterland, OH, passed away at Kettering Memorial Hospital Wednesday, June 16, 2021.

Paul was a graduate of West Geauga High school, class of 1971. He attended the University of Cincinnati, where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Pi School of Engineering. Paul carried an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Design from UC, and an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sinclair College. He spent the majority of his career as an Electric Designer at The Mound Laboratories in Miamisburg until their closing. Upon their closing, Paul worked at Ferno-Washington in Wilmington.

While his résumé is extremely impressive, it is not in itself representative of him. Actually, a title that is not even listed above represents Paul’s finest achievements; Paul was a teacher, a great teacher. He fought a 40+ year battle with Multiple Sclerosis, while MS consumed his body he never let that stop him from living a life of quality. A chronic, progressive illness such as MS forces a person to either live in despair and let it consume you, or you choose to learn a new normal to continue living a life of value. That’s what Paul chose to do, that’s what Paul taught those who crossed his path to do; live for now.

To say there were not times of despair and sadness would be a misrepresentation of Paul’s legacy as well. One of his favorite quotes was “it doesn’t matter how many times you fall, what matters is how many times you get back up“. That is applicable to physical, emotional, and spiritual falling. Paul “fell” but he always found a way to get back up. He was a great teacher to many generations.

Paul was an avid dog lover. He was also preceded in death by his blabrador (Beagle - Lab mix), Chester, and his beloved Boomer. Dogs were like oxygen to Paul’s soul. Peace floods those left behind, with thoughts of their loved one being reunited with their family and their fur family. Paul’s body is free once again. The hugs to his family, and hugs and kisses he’s giving to and getting from his animals must be magical. He always said one of his hardest losses was when he could no longer get on the floor to play with his dogs and give them belly’s. He is now free to enjoy that pleasure!

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Alyce Eberl (Mistoler); and many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Joyce A. Eberl (Johnson), who he met in the cereal aisle at Kroger’s when handing her the Raisin Bran. “Two scoops grew into a lifetime of love”; daughter, Kimberly Eberl Van Byssum (Grant) and her mother, Mary Lynn; two sisters, Anita (Bob) and Marilyn; one grandson, Shane; In-laws, James and Jody Johnson; and four brother- in- laws, Jeff (Denise), Jay, Julian (Grace), and Jason (Rebecca), and numerous cousins and friends.

Many Special Family and Friends added beautiful pieces of art to the tapestry of our life. Special Thanks to: Sarah, Jason, Maddie, Carol and Rick, Regina, Susan, Wanda, Dick, Tim Tracey, John, Cheryl, Karen, Lori, Chris Mohr, Aunt Kay, Laura, Sue, Denny, Dan, Kim, Liz, and Steve. Heartfelt thanks to special caretakers, who have become family; Candace Love Richberg, Jamie Fields, and Bryant McLaughlin.

The family would also like to recognize the staff at Kettering Hospital CCICU & CTICU who provided exemplary compassion, dignity and grace to Paul and the family during this most difficult time; Dr. Ali, Brian, Brooke, Maddison, Lexi, and Sarah. Thank you for walking this journey of loss with us, and giving us the time to say goodbye to our Warrior, Paul.

A Celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 12PM on Friday, September 17 at ROUTSONG FUNERAL HOME, 2100 E STROOP RD, KETTERING. A visitation will follow immediately after and go until 2PM at the funeral home. Livestream available on Routsong's YouTube channel for those unable to attend.

Outside of donations and sharing your memories of Paul’s incredible life, the family additionally requests you try some of Paul‘s favorite things, such as: cinnamon rolls, black coffee, classic rock music, strawberries (Paul was known as the Strawberry Man, at Meijer’s) Cleveland Browns football, and cooking-he always made sure he had a good home cooked meal once a day, White Russian cocktails, Black licorice, Andy Griffith reruns, (oh and definitely enjoy a nice afternoon sitting beside your favorite dog and eating some Esther Price candies!).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Dayton Multiple Sclerosis Society, Fountain Pointe I, 4665 Cornell Road, Ste 170, Cincinnati, OH 45241. When life gets hard, say your prayers, call your friends, and “Don’t Stop Believin’”.