Alan Paul Rehbein, 66, of Bellville OH, passed away quietly at home Aug. 9, 2025, after a 2 year battle with cancer.
He grew up in Lexington at a time when a boy was on his bike all day and came home for supper, then went back out again until dark & sometimes even later. It was a good childhood, including summers at Lake Mariah and visits to Ireland and Germany to visit grandparents.
After graduation from Lexington High, he joined the USAF and was stationed in England for the duration of his service. Upon returning home, he met his future wife, Mary. Who can understand the way of a man with a maid? And so what was to be his family life began.
He became certified in welding, with the plan of going to Texas to work on an oil rig. He got to Texas, but ended up working for a tree service instead. After their first son was born, they moved back to Ohio. Alan remained in tree work for the rest of his life. He enjoyed working with trees and was very knowledgeable about them. He was proud to become a certified arborist.
Alan was an outdoor person, so tree work suited him. He was an enthusiastic hunter. He had great memories of hunting with his dad and brothers in PA, then later including his own sons in Richland Co. Let’s never forget the deer-less hunting trip to NH. Finally got to use his canvas tent. He was very good with one liners. Perfect timing. Relived his youth attending concerts with Scott. He was proud of each of his children, for the persons they have become. Springtime meant all the precious morels that you could find and eat.
Sitting around a campfire after a day canoeing with his friend Tom was something he truly enjoyed. Nothing like it.
But his greatest pleasure in life in the latter years were his grandchildren: Lilly, Hazel, Grant, Grace, Leanne & Diana. He always made sure to have treats in the house for when they came over. The last time we saw him smile was at one of them. It made him saddest that his time with them was cut short.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ansgar and Ann (Harper) Rehbein; niece Amanda, in-laws Bill & Joanne Crummey, Billy Crummey, and his long-time friend Mike Crummey.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary Suzanne (Crummey) Rehbein; children: Andrew (Ashley); Kent; Scott; Carolyn (Kyle) Kinzel; 6 grandchildren; brothers: Derrick (Michelle) and Paul (Amy); loving in-laws, nieces & nephews & extended family, including Uncle Roy and Aunt Deanne Harper and their family in the UK.
Per Alan’s wishes, there was no funeral; instead, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
A heartfelt thank you to every person who lifted Alan in prayer over these trying months. And to Bob & Wendy, for your many kindnesses.
Funeral Home: Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society
Website: ohiocremation.org