Homer D. Rinehart

Homer D. Rinehart, age 84, a lifelong resident of Dover passed away Sunday, December 25, 2011 at Hennis Care Centre in Dover.

Born March 30, 1927 in Dover, he was the son of the late Clarence and Marie (Miller) Rinehart. He was also preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.

Homer attended Dover High School but left before graduating by enlisting and proudly serving his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He attained the rank of Seaman 1st Class and served aboard the Seaplane Tender, U.S.S. Tangier. He later completed his high school education. Following his discharge from the service, Homer married Mary Lou Mishler in Greenup, Kentucky and began a lifelong career driving truck for several local companies. Following retirement, he was a familiar face at Union Hospital in Dover for over 35 years where he worked as a Security Guard but more than that was an ambassador for the hospital having put hundreds of people at ease during tense situations and making patients and their families feel at home while visiting the hospital.

Homer loved sports and enjoyed watching his grandchildren compete. He was proud of having played football for the Dover Tornadoes and having held kicking records for many years. In his younger days, Homer played baseball in several Tuscarawas County leagues and a few years ago was inducted into the Tuscarawas County Baseball Hall of Fame. He also refereed both baseball and football.

He was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Dover, Life member of the Dover VFW, Dover American Legion, and a member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Mary Lou with whom he would have celebrated 65 years of marriage on the 8th of January; two sons Terry (Cindy) Rinehart and Kenny (Jane) Rinehart both of Dover; two granddaughters, Libby (Damon) Stevenson of Dover and Sarah (fianc Zack Glass) Rinehart of Canton, Ohio; four grandsons, Andy (Erin) Rinehart of Lewis Center, Ohio, Aaron Rinehart of Dover, Eric (Samer) Rinehart of University Heights, Ohio and Matt Rinehart of Dover; four great grandchildren, Tyler and Sydney Stevenson of Dover, and Jack and Amryann of Lewis Center, Ohio along with two special friends Les Williams and Tom Patton both of Dover.

At Homer's request, there will be no public funeral service or calling hours. Pastor Ray Ulrich and the Dover VFW will conduct a private graveside service for the family in the Dover Burial Park. The Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover has been entrusted with Homer's funeral arrangements. Those who may wish to express a fond memory of Homer may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Union Hospital, 659 Boulevard, Dover, Ohio 44622.

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