Melvin E. Rinehart, 85, of rural Galion passed away after a brief illness, surrounded by his family, Thursday morning, November 26, 2015 at his residence.
Known to many as Mel, Pop, Mister and Papa, he was a lifelong resident of the area. Mel was born June 23, 1930 in Morrow County and was the son of T. Oris and Myrtle (Miller) Rinehart.
Melvin is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jane (Scheerer) Rinehart who he married on June 19, 1953.
He is also survived by children, Timothy (Teresa) Rinehart and LouAnne (Dave) Delaney all of Galion; proud papa to his three grandchildren Dan Delaney, Stacey Geiger, Stephanie Rinehart and fiancée Colton Cassady; “Old Papa” to his adoring great-grandchildren Wyatt, Carlie and Kendra Geiger; sister Doris Shaffer; sister-in-law Helen Rinehart and many nieces and nephews.
Mel is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Cecil and Bill Rinehart and a sister Pauline Hiler.
At the age of 18, he joined the United States Army and proudly served from 1948-1952 during the Korean War. Melvin worked for the US Post Office as a letter carrier until his retirement in 1987. After retiring, he spent many hours in his wood shop during the winter months and tending to his garden during the summer. Melvin was never afraid of a little hard work and was always the first to offer a helping hand to friends and family.
He had a special relationship with all his grandchildren. By chauffeuring his grandkids to countless practices, sitting through hours of ball games and band concerts, sneaking home donuts for them on “Donut Day” which was on Thursdays. Mel was that special kind of Papa who left behind many cherished memories and will be remembered for his gentle smile and loving heart.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, November 29, 2015 at Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes, 218 South Market St., Galion, Ohio 44833 where services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 30, with Kevin Lehman officiating. Burial will be in Shauck Cemetery.
Full military honors will be conducted by the United States Army and Galion Crestline Veterans Military Funeral Detail.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Iberia Volunteer Fire Department in care of the funeral home.
Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve the family of Melvin Rinehart, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
