Thomas O. Rinehart

Thomas Opal Rinehart passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 5:10 PM in the evening surrounded by his beloved daughters and sons-in-law after an extended battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born on May 28th, 1947 in Banner Elk, North Carolina to Cass W. and Joda L. Rhinehart. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 32 years, Jewell Ann Higgins Rinehart, a sister, Janice Hahn and a son, Al Gilson.

He is survived by his daughters, Lora (Scott) Warner, Christina (Jason) Wolfe and Nicole (Craig) Walters; son, Don (Beth) Gilson; grandchildren, Ashlyn Warner (Chance) Bishop, Devin (MadiLynn) Warner, Joshua “Bo” Wolfe, Jewelia Wolfe, Jaylynn Wolfe, Samantha Provines, Taylor Provines, Lydia Walters (Blake) Flower, Lauren Walters, Victoria Gilson (Ryan) Middleton, Reid (Chelsea) Gilson and eight great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Ron (Pat) Rhinehart, Liz (the late Larry) Hormann, Deb (Mike) Buuck, Lorsey Ritch and Art (Jennifer) Rhinehart and brother-in-law, Ken Hahn.

He joined the United States Marine Corps in September of 1964 as a Military Police Officer. He attended bootcamp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. During bootcamp, Private Rinehart was awarded the Physical Excellence Award for outstanding strength, stamina, and determination and received the sharpshooter medals for rifle and pistol. After he completed bootcamp, he was assigned to Camp Pendleton, California. in January 1966, Rinehart boarded a ship headed to Vietnam. He landed in Chu Lai, Vietnam with the 2nd Marine Division. Rinehart served honorably alongside his Marine Corps brothers for 14 ½ months. After his tour in Vietnam, he returned stateside and was stationed at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. In 1968, he completed his enlistment and was honorably discharged.He continued serving alongside his brothers and sisters as an active member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion. He was also an honored member of the Forty & Eight, an independent, invitation-only honor society for U.S. veterans. He lived his life by the revered Marine Corps motto of ‘Semper-Fidelis’ - Always Faithful. After discharge, he worked with the Tennessee Valley Authority and became an Ironworker actively working all over the country. Having been an integral part of helping to build the Alaskan Pipeline, Sears Building in Chicago, Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, Walt Disney World and multiple bridges and overpasses across the United States. His persona was bigger than life. Upon meeting him, one knew they were in the presence of someone special. He had a unique way of making others feel treasured, seen and heard. He was always ready to help a neighbor in need with anything that he had. He could grow a garden of anything from prize winning vegetables to beautiful roses. He was known to enjoy good coffee, good whiskey, good music, good conversation and a good time! All while dressed in his starched ironed shirt, pressed pants and his shined shoes, smelling of a rugged blend of Old Spice, cigarettes and leather. All to a soundtrack of good southern gospel/bluegrass music, Hank Williams and Patsy Cline. He lived his life by an honorable committed code of the love of Faith, Family and Friends…may that legacy continue to live on.

Visitation is Thursday, April 30th 4 PM to 7 PM at Dooley Funeral Home, 202 W. River Street, Antwerp.

Tom’s funeral service is Friday, May 1st, 10:30 AM with visitation one hour prior at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp.

He will be laid to rest with military honors in Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp.

Memorials are to Community Health Professionals, 250 Dooley Drive, Paulding, Ohio 45879.

Fond memories may be shared at dooleyfuneralhome.com