William Rinehart Obituary

William Dale "Bill" Rinehart

William Dale "Bill" Rinehart, 89, of Bloomdale, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday evening, September 20, 2025, at The Heritage in Findlay.

Bill was born December 7, 1935, at home in Caledonia, the son of the late Tollie Dale and Phyllis G. (Beam) Rinehart. He graduated from Mount Gilead High School in the Class of 1953.

In January 1955, Bill proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served with the Strategic Air Command, working on the cutting-edge B-52 bombers -then the latest in military aviation. He was honorably discharged in November 1958.

After his military service, Bill studied electrical engineering at The Ohio State University. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Roxanne Sue Finley. They were married September 28, 1962, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Mount Gilead, and would have celebrated 63 wonderful years of marriage this year. The couple moved to Massachusetts for a time before returning to Ohio, where Bill joined the family farm.

At the age of 43, Bill answered a new calling and returned to school to pursue a ministry. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Pastoral Ministries from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 1980. Bill and Roxanne then spent one year serving in an interdenominational ministry in Costa Rica, followed by five years in Bogotá, Colombia.

From 1989 to 1998, The Rev. William Rinehart served as a Licensed Local Pastor in the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church. In 1999, he was elected as an Associate Member of the Conference and ordained as a Deacon. He faithfully served several churches in the Findlay District, including Fostoria Bethel, Pleasant View, and Vanlue Christ United Methodist Church, before retiring in 2001.

A compassionate and devoted pastor, Bill had a heart for service. He was always willing to meet with others in times of need and was known for ensuring that no one went without food or basic necessities.

Beyond his ministry, Bill was a man who appreciated nature. He loved fishing, feeding birds, and was actively involved in bird migration and banding efforts around Lake Erie. A skilled woodworker and handyman, he enjoyed building and repairing things around the home, always ready to lend a helping hand.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Roxanne Rinehart; three sons, Jeff Rinehart, Joe (Marcy) Rinehart, and James "JR" Rinehart; his cherished granddaughter, Rachel Rinehart; a sister, Sue Lindy; and his beloved parrot of the last 25 years, Bob.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Judith Key.

A graveside gathering to honor and celebrate Bill's life will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Iberia Cemetery. This day commemorates Bill and Roxanne's 63rd anniversary.

Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead is honored to have been chosen to serve Bill's family. Special memories or condolences may be shared by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.