Verne Richard Rinehart, 83, of Vinton County, passed away Friday, April 20, 2012 at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. He was born September 6, 1928 in Vinton County son of the late Roy and Rethie Hewitt Rinehart. Verne was married to Rosalie Guttermuth-Rinehart, who survives.
He graduated as Valedictorian from McArthur High School in 1945 and attended The Ohio State University receiving a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Verne retired from Goodyear Research in Akron in 1987 and was a recipient of Goodyear’s Coveted Dinsmore Award for outstanding scientific work. He attended Bath United Church of Christ and was a beloved member of Alcoholics Anonymous with 33 years sobriety, where he helped many. Verne was a 32 Degree Mason as well as Past Prior of Ohio Priory No. 18. His life was devoted to Masonic work in Akron, McArthur and Jackson, Ohio. He loved his garden, his 1958 Model 430 John Deere farm tractor and bib overalls.
Verne is survived by his three children, Mark (Peggy) Rinehart of Bountiful, Utah, Barbara (Robert) Rinehart-McIntyre of Redwood City, California and Melissa Rinehart of Akron, Ohio; stepchildren, Katherine (Michael) Kager of Canal Fulton and Michael (Trena) Kostantinovich of Canal Fulton; five grandchildren; two step grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Rinehart.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at the McArthur United Methodist Church, 200 S. Market St., McArthur, with Rev. Bill Barnett officiating. Cremation will follow the services. Inurnment will be in Elk Cemetery, McArthur at a later date. Friends may call at the McArthur United Methodist Church on Tuesday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. where Eastern Star services will be held at 7 p.m. and a Masonic service will be held at 7:30 p.m.
Arrangements are by Garrett-Cardaras Funeral Home, 201 W. High St., McArthur.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made in memory of Verne Richard Rinehart to Locust Grove Church, c/o Vinton County National Bank, 112 W. Main St., McArthur, Ohio 45651.
Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com.